The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

I THE WAR. BOER ATTACK REPELLED WITH THE BAYONET. I A DARING liKCONNAISSAXCE. X A a u w p o o K t Saturday. A large number of Boers to-day approached our right, coming to within 1,000 yards of Col Porter's camp at Sli-t-gersfontein. They rested themselves contenu with the dis- "cbargc of a few rounds, and retired directly we i opened fire upon them. The entire Boer force iu front of U8 shows signs I of trireme restlessness. The enemy are apparently I apprehensive of the tactics of General French, and fear the devolooment of movements to cut off their retreat. Many of th: women and children arc leaving Coles- berg and are being sent across the Free State bor- der, and from other evident signs in the Boer laagers it is certain that they regard a general re- tirement as possible and are preparing for it. Eighty-seven English prisoners captured in re- cent operations have been sent to Bloemfontein, but there are still 37 of our men who are wounded lying in the school at Colesberg. It is certain hat the enemy in this district are almost without Provisions. I Rensbukg, Sunday. The shelling of the enemy's camps steadily con- tinues. One man of the Essex Regiment has been wounded while at, a wniering-plaoe. Monday. It has been observed from a bill near Colesberg that all the Boer Lents have been removed eastwards as a result of our shell fire. The Boers this morning attempted to take a bill occupied by a company of the Yorkshire Regiment and the New Zealanders, but wero repuised at the point of the bayonet with a loss of 21 killed and about 50 wounded. Rensbuhg, Monday. A very important reconnaissance has just suc- cessfully concluded. A party com-.hit it: g of cavalry, horse nrtillory, ana mounted infantry, under Major Allenby, of the Iuniskilling Dragoons, left here on Saturday. Our men bivouacked six miles west of Bastard's Nek, and on Sundoy proceeded so far as Colesberg; Bridge over the Orange River, which, together with the adjoining laager, was shelled from al distance of 500 yards. Boer reinforcements arriving, onr troops retired. The enemy made n attack on the rearvand flank of the little column, and then retired, but our troops escaped without a siogle casualty, arriving in camp this morning. It is thought that our unexpected move has compelled the Boors t.o withdraw their troops from their main position in order to cover the Colesberg waggon bridge. Renrburg, Monday. By Gencr-fi! French's orders a daring reoon- naissance has just been successfully completed bv j Major Allenby, who, with a force of cavalry and artiJiery, has thoroughly explored the country be- tween the camp and the enemy's position cm the Free State frontier. The little force perntrated as far as the waggon 1 bridge on the Orange River. There they found the I enemy's inagcr, and our guns at once opened fire at long rajjge. The shells repeatedly burst in the enemy's position. < The Boer", though in force, did lictlo in th" wnv or repiy. The y were evidently -ompiefely tak«n by surprise. i Mdjor xiljeahy, having obtained all the informa- tion he was sent to gather, retutued safely to camp t this afternoon without a single casualty. I

THE ATTACK ON T -T i FULL DETAILS. i RP, Ladyssuth, January 6th. i.<e enemy to-day made a determined effort to capture two lK»itions--Caraar's Camp and Wagon l't,e lu,'ter a lofty eminence to the soatb-weet .fc,!? Possession of winch would have brought them within rifle range of 'olio town. uffi&ar e Camp was held by the 1st Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. The positiou was separated from that of the Boers by a rocky rn.vine. In the early hours of the morning, under cover of the uess, the Heidelberg commando suc- ceeded in evading our pickets, making their WILY. through the thorn-bush, and reaching the foot of the slope. At haif-past two the alarm was raised by onr sentries, but before the full extent of the danger could bo realised, the outlying sangarg had been ] rushed, and their defenders slain. j Heaving the firing, two companies of the Gordon Highlanders went to the assistance of tbe Alan- Chester Regiment. It was t3 iirst thought that the Boers were concentrating on the southern slope, where they had already secured a footing on the plateau. Here, however, their advance was checked by the steady volleys of our Infantry and the deadly fire of an automatic gun. -JJ'eVt*'entmt ^mt"rll'he went out, to see if any aid was needed by the troops stationed on the ridge near the town. He was unaware that the enemy bad aiready captured the breastworks, and called cut "Sergeant!" lie received the reply, Here I am, sir!" and then suddenly disappeared from sight. Captain Carnegie, suspecting a ruse, ordered the Gordons to fire a volley and charge. The enemy thereuppn fell back precipitately, leaving behind them the officer whom they had captured with so much presence of mind. The Lieutenant was quite unhurt. By tins time was evident that the camp was being assailud both on the left flank and on the I front. By daybreak reinforcements of the Gordon Highlanders and the Iliflo Brigade had been binrried ] up U to the fighting line. Lieut. Colonel Dick- Cunyngham, who was leading the Gordons oat. of camp, feli mortally wounded, being hit by a stray bullet whiie still close to the town. The 53rd Battery of Field Artillery, under Major Abdy, crossed the Klip River, and shelled the ridge and the reverse slope of the front position, where the enemy were lyiug among the thorn bushes. lite shrapnel, which flew over our Jlead, did terrible execution. It effectually held the Boers in check, and rendexed it impossible for them to send reinforcements to their men through the ravine. The enemy fought throughout with the most stubborn courage, being evidently determined to take the camp or die in tho attempt. Their six-inch gun on Umbulwana Mountain ani its smaller satellites, threw over one hundred shells at Major Abdv's batf.erv, and at the troons on the hill. Our men, howeyor, were not less gallant and resolved, and the enemy were pressed back step by step until, at longth, those who were left of them brokq and fled in utler disorder. A terrific storm of rain and hail, Hocompanied by peals of thunder, had burst over 'the camp during the lighting, and served to swell the streams into raging torrents. In their efforts to escape, numbers of the enemy flung themselves into the current, and were swept, av/av. The struggle in this part of the field was now at an end. The final was a terrific fusillade nIJ along the li: e, the crash of which almost drowned the incessant thunder above. Meanwhile, a more exciting contest was in pro- gress in the direction of Wagon Hill. At two o'clock a storming party furnished by the Harri- sniith commando crept slowly and cautiously aloug a donga in the valley which diyides our posts from their camp. A few well-aimed riflo shots killed our pickets. Takilig advantage of every iuoh of cover, they j then gradually reached the crest of the height. Here the Light Horse were posted, but were forced to retire before the Free Staters' advance, there being no breastworks for defence on the western shoulder of the hill. With little to impede thoir progress, the enemy came to an emplacement, wncro they surpiised the working parties of the Gordon Highlanders, Sappers, and 60th Rifles. j Lieutenant Digby Jones, R.E., collecting a hand- ful of men, made a gallant effort to hold the position; but nilmbai-p, wei-e against them, and after a stubborn resistance, they were driven back, and the enemy got possession of the summit. Even then, however, the Free Staters were afraid to venture far, or to face the heavy tHe from tne 8angar. It was hero that Lieutenant 'Mncnr.ghi.eu and thirty of the. Gordon Highlanders were taken prisoners, though not till every man of them was wounded. At five o'clock Colonel Edwards, with two a<Hat\r°oH Horse, arrived on the scene, M- St- Bacter-V K°yal Field Artillery, under »301 Blowitt, came into action, preventing the storining party being reinforced froui the Boer camp. At the sume time the 18th Huaxars and 5th angers checked the movement from the Spruit on our right flank. Nevertheless, our position at this point had be- come critical. Our men had retired for cover behir¡cl the northern slope, while the enemy had made their way into the pass dividing them from the hill. Major Biiwen rallied a few of the Rifles, but fell while leaning them to the charge. His example was at once followed by Lieutenant Tod, bat he met with the same fate. The enemy were making pood the footing they had already secured in the emplacement, when Major M Wallnutc, calling the scattered Gordons together, charged in and drove them back. Having thus cleared the ground, he joined Lieutenant Digby Jones in the newly-prepared emplacement 011 the western shoulder. A pause ensued for the time, but the Boers were not finally beaten. Taking advantage of the storm that was now raging, they essayed to capture the position by another rush. Three of their leaders reached the parapet, but were shot down by Lieutenant Digby Jones am! Major Wallnutt, the latter of whom also foil. The renewed check effectually discouraged the assailants, and the deadly duel was now practically at an end. Nevertheless, small parties of the braver spirits kept up a murderous fire on oil- men from behind the rocks. The moment had evidently arrived to strike tho final blow, and Colonel Park quickly issued the necessary orders. Three Companies of the Devonshire Regiment, led by Captain Lafone, Lieutenant Field, and Lie-n- tenant Masteraon, made a brilliant charge across the open, under a terrific fire and fairly hurled the enemy down the hill at the point of the bayonet, in the course of the struggle Captain Lafone and Lieutenant Field were killed, and Lieutenant Mss- terson received no fewer than ten wounds. This was the fitting close to a struggle that had lasted sixteen hours, during which evety rifle and gun had been brought to bear. Our position was now secure. The attacks on the north ar.d east had also been repulsed, and the grand assault had failed all along the line. The Boers lost heavily, and admit that the en- gagement was the most severe blow their arms had sustained since the opening of the Campaign. They were confident of their ability to cr.ptnre the town, and had called up reinforcements from Coienso to assist at the expected victory. Our own losses arc, I re,.ç et to report, also con- siderable. Lord A va was mortally wounded cr.rlv i ¡ in the morning while accompanying Colonel Ian Hamilton to the scene of action. I The garrison can now awa.it the coming of relief with renewed confidcnce. LIURBAN, January 16th. The list of casualties among the various corps of Natal Volunteers, in the fighting at Ladysmith on the 6th inst., has only just been published, The Imperial Light Itorse suffered heavily, losing twenty-four killed and twenty-five wounded, while the Natal Volunteers lost six killed.

METKUEN'S WOUKDED CHARGER. Surgeon C Marsh Beadneil, R.N., eldest son of Major C E Beadneil, Nantyrebeg, Llanidloes, with Lord Metbuen's force, in a description of the battle of Modder, published by the British Medical Journal, relates the following exciting incident in connection with the wounding of Lord Mefhuen — Our chief was put out of action very earlv in the day by a bullet wound. I learnt this in a curious manner. On tho left of our line I saw a horse bolting riderless; it was evidently an Officer'•; charger, as there was a sword, etc., attached to the l s-'tit a bugler to catch the horse, and found it had a Mauser bullet wound through the near foreleg, ar.d there was blood on the bridle, stirrup, and saddle. Drawing the sword one read: Methuen from Chapman.' Fears at once arose that the General was wounded, and Wj, alas, he was, though luckily the wound was not serious.

A TERRIBLE STORY. j DUBLIN FUSILIERS BURIED ALIVE BY BOERS. I Sergeant T Jewiss, of the Royal Artillery, now with General Oiorv's field force, writing to his sister at Grave-send, says :— We have been here (Frere Camp) now nine, days, but we expect to make an advance on Monday to Ladysmith, and from there then to Pretoria, old Kruger's capital. And the sooner the better. God help the Boers when our fellows do get a rub at them, for the; are the most cruel men that you would dream of. They buried some of the Dublin Fusiliers alive, poor devils, because they were wounded, and the Dublins since they have been reinforced are like a lot of mad men, thirsting to get at the Boers. The other day a troop of cavalry went out reconnoitring and saw three of our troopers tied up to trees and eitch of them with 20 shots, in them. To see some of the houses that the devils have looted is shocking. Doors smashed in, furniture and goods that they could not carry away they smashed to atoms. Our Brigade of Artillery has been in two battles since we have been out here-the battle of Estcourt and the battle of Mooi River —but no casualties on our side. With- ont a doubt the Boers ftro good shots, but they can't stand cold steel. As soon as our troops are near enough to make a charge they are off as fast as their legs can carry them."

BOERS ILL-TREATED. I PROTEST TO PRETORIA. Capetown, January 13th. A. fragment of the "Kimberley Advertiser," of December 2nd, just received, described the manner in which the Boer commanders persistently keep their rank and file in complete ignorance of what is going on and especially of their own losses in variorls battles. Boer prisoners brought into Kimberley agree in stating that the Boers in the field are prohibited even from visiting their comrades. The men of one laager are not allowed to wander to other camps even if they be adjacent to their own. On one of the prisoners was found a petition signed by a number of men of the Bloehof Com- tnando addressed to the Executive c.t Pretoria complaining of tho brutal treatment to which the e men were subjected by their officers and requesting to be transferred to some other Commando. Mr Rhodes had presented a pipe and a pound of tobacco to each soldier iu Kimberley.

DEPARTURE OF OSWESTRY VOLUNTEERS. ENTHUSIASTIC SEND OFF. The six members of the Oswestry Company of "Volunteers—Corporal J T Byrne, Lance-Corporal J Kenyon, and Privates J C Phillips, D Lewis, Edward Roberts, and T Hampson—who have vol- unteered for active service in South Africa left Oswestry in the best of spirits, on Tuesday at noon by the Great Western Railway for Shrewsbury and they were accorded an enthusiastic send off. The men, with other members of the Company, paraded at Major Bull, Lieut Hawkins and Gol-Sergt Alldritt being piesent. Preceded by a posse of police in charge of Supt Lewis, and the Volunteer Band (conducted by Bandmaster Bayley) they started off for the station shortly before twelve o'clock. As they emerged from Caeglas, in their Volunteer uniforms with rifles and fixed bayonets, the band playing "Soldiers of the Queen," they were hailed with ringing cheers aud waving of hats from the great crowd which bad assembled at this junc- ture of the route. Each side of Church street was liued with people, and from the windows of Messrs Dutton's Union Jack flags were waved. At the railway station they received a grand reception, and whilst waiting the train persons in the crowd sang, It is hard to say Good-bye,' after which sang, It is hard to say Good-bye,' after which the band struck up Auld Lang Syne and God Save the Queen," and the crowd joined in. Major j Bull then addressed the Volunteers and said You are assembled here this morning on a very im- poi tant occasion. You, of your own free will, have volunteered for active service in South Africa to serve your Quo«n and country, to fight England's batties, and uphold the honour of the English flag. You nu; setting a noble arid patriotic example to the men of Oswestry. I am proud of you, we are all proud of you, and I wish you every success, a successful journey, a suc- cessful campaign, and I hope you will come back soon with honour aod distinction (prolonged cheev- ing). The men then took their wife "he good wishes of thoir numerous friends, and the train left amid the firing of fog signf^s, the. I cheering of tho great crowd on L the platform, and the band played "Auld Lang Syne," the I greatest enthusiasm prevailing. Amongst those who witnessed the men's departure were Mr Stanley Leighton, M.P., Dr and the Misses Lewis, I | the Rev N ar.d the Hon Mrs and Miss Ogi'vy, the Revs T Eedfern, W Pownall Owen, and J J Poynter Col Maltby, Major Lovefct, Mh.s Ber?e- ford, Mr J C Bull, Sergt W Felton, S.Y.C., Mr and J j Mrs C S Dennis, Mr T Edwards, Mr R E Hughes, I Mr Howell Davies, Mr G VV Lacey, Mr L Lewis, j Mr Martiuoale kindly sent a supply of tobacco and j a pipe to each man. j

WHAT KHAMA IS DOING. j Tho Chief Khnrna, who was in England a few )' years ago, is well- known and much respected iu this country. Cape Time: writing about his con- duct during the present hostilities, say :Kha,,)io. I is behaving splendidly, and is the only chief the Protectorate who is not afraid of the Boers. He has about 1,200 armed men on his border patrci!- f ing and doing intelligence work, and net a Boer dare show his face on the border. There was a scare hero last week, and all the women wore anxious to get off to Bulawayo at once, but ho quieted them down and re-established order. Khama heard of it, and was quite insulted, saying he had had the English in his town many 3 •?&»•••, and had always looked after them well, ar.d he hoped tho women would not go away now, a? no Boer would ever touch them as long as he or a jy of the men were left alive." KImma, it may added, quite despises the Southern Protectorate natives tor doing nothing to help the English after enjoy- ing their pioieetiou for so many years.

I WELSHPOOL TOWN COUNCIL. I ii U, R t, Dk Y. The or (Mr Dd Jones) presiding, also present Alderman Howell, Councillors T Simpson Jones, II Smith, C Shuker, C P Yearsley, J P Jones. W Humphreys, Dr Thomas, Dr Hawksworth, with Mr Ed Jones (town clerk), Mr Snook; (surveyor), and ] Mr T A Basnett (collector). SANITARY AND WATER COMMITTEE. A. meeting of the Sanitary and Water Committee i was held on January 1st. Mr Howell reported to the committee that Mr Addie had undertaken to proceed with the construction of the culvert as ex- j peditionsiy as possible, that the contractors en- 1 gaged in removing the mad feniing that iho work | might be stopped by reason of the streHnJ not I being properly protected and the mud finding ire v,av into it, asked for on allowance of £3 per week ¡' daring the stoppage. The committee were not. prepared to recommend that such an allowance be I made ii the occasion should arise and it was re- solved that the contractors be asked to proceed as far as possible before stopping the work. At a further meeting of this committee on January 17th the report of the engineers was read aud in the matter of the leakage discovered inthe (I i filter beds the committee, recommended that the filtering ma- terial be removed to ascertain the location and ex- 1 tout of the leakage and take steps for remedying I the defects. i re time nxeu tor the coa-.pletiou of the new filter beds, viz., Nov 8th, being long past, the committee were of opinion that the attention of the contractor should be called to it. The com- mittee roported that satisfactory terms bad been arranged with Messrs Rose as to payment for tIle new fire engiue. The Surveyor in his report to the committee stated that the Pool had not been sufficiently free from flood to allow 'of the work bemg proceeded -iritii.-Nir Howell, who moved the adoption of the minutes, mentioned that it was arranged that the committee should meet Mr Addie at the reservoir to consider the whole matter of the disposal of the mud. They attempted to do so but illness and bad weather prevented the committee meeting, with the exception of the Mayor and him- self. They went into the matter with Mr Addie, who showed every willingness to make facilities for the disposal of the mud. The contractor WH2 asked to lengthen the stage so that the mud might not get into the brook. Mr Addie agreed to put in 30 instead or 24-inch pipes so that there wwuJd be no difficulty in carrying away the flood water. The work had been interfered with owing to the quantity of flood water, but this was now going down and they hoped that the contractor would, very shortly, be able to further proceed with the work. He was of opinion that it, was desirable that a further quantity of mud sbonld be removed from the reservoir. The contract was to remove 3,000 yards, but as the men and plant were on the spot the Council might think it desir- able that further excavation should be made at the lower end of the pool. The matter would be con- sidered at the next meeting of the committee, and if they approved he should be glad to bring it before the Council. The report of the engineer had been before the committee on Wednesday, aud included a point which threatened to be trouble- some. When the new works were being proceeded with it was found that there was considerable leakage in the floor of the old filter beds. The town was now being supplied with water without filtration and this was therefore a matter which required immediate attention. He snggested that the work be proceeded with forthwith, and that the ocmmittec: inspect the filter beds as soon as possible. Some delay had arisen on account of the frost, and this had prevented them doing anything. The time fixed for the completion of the works was Novem- ber 8th, but several matters had arisen, causing delay, for which the contractor did not consider he was responsible. Mr Shaker said he was glad to learn that the work was being proceeded with &s expeditiously as possible.— Mr J P Jones asked if the contractors'attention bad becn ca11wl t' the condition of the road as it was stipulated that the road should be put into proper condit-icon before the expiration of the contract. Another matter he should like to ask about was the Fire Engine. He understood that this had been referred to the Finance Committee. In other towns lie found demonstrations had been made by firms which supplied engines and the demonstra- tions had been a great success. He tbougut it was their duty to the public.—The Mayor: I must call you to order; the matter has passed the Council olit-e.liir J P Jones I think it has been very unfair throughout, I mean about the price.-—The Mayor It has been carried out in accordance with the resolution.—Mr J P Jones I utter my protest. It has been hurried through, and, I think, very un- fairly.—Mr Howell said that in regard to the road- ( way the engineer had called the attention of the! contractor to this matter and called upon him to pat the road in repair so far as damage had been done.—Mr f 11 Jones referring again to the fire engine said the Finance Committee had to do with the finance and they ought to have dealt. with the purchase of the er-gizie.Alr Howell replied that as a matter of fact the Finance Committee and the Water Committee were composed of the same members and that Councillor Jones was absent from the meeting. Had lie been there tho question might have been raised. He supported the mayor n regard to the matter being out of orcer.Ilr J P Jones: It has not passed the Finance Committee. —The Mayor The Council has adopted the Finance Committee's recommendation. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The minutes of the Finance Committee having been read, the Mayor said that Mr J P Jones could now raise the question of the purchase of the fire engine.—Mr J P Jones replied that if the engine had been purchased he should be out of order. Was it right to make an arrangement like this and not ask for tenders from old firm r-The Mavor pointed out that Mr Jones was going into matters which had already been settled.— Mr Jones sat down, saying that though he was the only member, he recorded his protest. HIGHWAY MATTKRS. The Paving Lighting and Highways Committee met ou January ]6r.h and the Committee recom- mended that i, horse and gearing be hired from Mr W Farmer at 10s 6d per week, for a month that Lord Powis's agent be informed of the dangerous state of tho tree on the road near Smithfield and request him to fall and remove it; that his attention be. also called to a slip of land on the footpath between Raven and Deers meadows. The Committee recommended the Surveyor to get as much stone as lie could on the Back Road as soon as possible. They also recommended that the Sur- veyor report on the state of the roads generally in the borough and the quantity of stone available for the repair. The committee recommended that the Clerk write Mr Baker as to the stone required and that it would be absolutely necessary to have stone ready at once, and the Council were surprised to find that the stone broken by the workmen of the Corporation had been disposed of to other parties. —Mr J P Jones: Have we paid men for breaking the stone which has been disposed of? The Mayor: Yes. We are in a very awkward position in regard to the stone for the streets; it is time the should be on the roads.—Mr J P Jones asked a question in regard to the paving of Raven street and was informed that no more tenders for the work had beeu received.—The minutes were con- firmed. MARKETS eoMSS'.TTF. The Markets Gommiuee met on January 16th, and the committee recommended that the Surveyor 'be empowered to sell manure in the Smithfield at 6d per load. Also that the Surveyor employ an man to follow the horse to be hired from Mr !• a-i-rasr. That the of the Smithfield be rounded off.-—Tne minutes were approved, but Mr C P Yearsley said that the question of purchasing ) an extra horse had been before them so long that it was time it should be purchased. It had been before them ever since he entered the Council and for many years befure that. He should be prepared ro move at the next Council meeting that an expert be engaged to purchas? ciie.Nir Simpson Junes was of the same opinion. A maxy-faced clock. Mr Howell called attention to the Town Hall I clock, and pointed out that each face indicated a dlrf'Mont time. He thonarhc the attention of the j curator shonld be called to it, j llanfair eaii.tvmt shakes. t)Ir Howell mentioned the matter of the Llanfair Railway share deposits for the shares which it was ) intended the Council should take up, and said the < arrangement of the County Council in regard to the Tanat Valley Railway was that the money should be voted as soon as the contract for making the railway should be entered into. He did not 1 know that they couid do better than by following the example of the County Council aud voting the inonpy as soon as the contract for construction should be entered into.—Mr J P Jones thought they should not defer this tnt-tter. The Clerk was negotiating for the loan, and he should like to move fiiat the matter lie carried out at once.— Mr Yearsley said it was a iaige matter, and had not been on the agenda. He did not wish to interfere with the matter, I as he understood the Council were committed to it. Still it was a large amount involving as much as £ 8,000 and seeing it was such a large item it, ought to be on the agenda.—Mr Howell said the Finance t Committee had not dealt with it because there was net a sufficiently large attendance at the meeting. j He agreed that it was rather a large amount, con- j j siuora'oly more than a fire engine.—Mr J P Jones moved that, the deposit be paid.1fr Yearsley said j I that as there wero some who were not in love with j the scheme they ought to have the opportunity of j discussing it.—The matter was accordingly de- } t'orred. j UNIFORM WArTF.t). j Following upon the application of the School j Attendance Officer for an official cap, au application ) was received from the Sergt-at-Mace for a new ) i-iut to replace the old C)r.LE).-Ti)e matter was re- isrred to a committee. 1 "V7ELSHP00L HORTICULTURAL ] SOCIETY. | WILL THE SHOW DISBANDED 'r j A special meeting of Welshpool Horticultural Society was held in the Town lia; Welshpool, on Thursday afternoon, Mr j Chas F, Howell presiding. Present, Messrs F i Roper, E Wyke, C P Yearsley, J F Francis, E L R J Jones, F Lambert, MPowell, S Morris, D Rowlands, J Jos Buvhell, J H Anderson, — Qaklej".—The. Secre- J tary, Mr 3 G James, having read the niinui-.es o" the ) previous meeting, the followinsr letter from the j Earl of Powis was read in reply to the request of J the Committee for permission to hold the 5-v.nl j show on August 9th, 1900, the programme to be subject to his lordship's approval :— Estate^ Office, Powis Castle, 12th January, 1900. Dear Sir, lam desired bv Lord Powis to sav in reply to your letter of the 15:h ult. that b,, has, repeatedly said that he cannot give permission to the Horticultural Society to hold their annual show i during tee first fortnight in August, and he is there- fore unable to give permission for the show to be held en the 9th of Augnst next, though he will be glad to lend the Park on some other (tate.-Believe me to be, yours faithfully, W Forrester Addie.— The Chairman said the letter from Lord Powis I threw open two courses, either to throw up the show or hold it on some other date which would be suitable to his lordship. He should like to know the amount of the balance in hand.— From the | replies of the Secretary and the Treasurer (Mr M Powell) it appeared that there would be a. balance of pbout £1.30 when the small outstanding accounts had been paid.—Mr Howell said that though he had little wish to sav anything, he thought it was right, as holding the position of chairman, to say he whs hardly satisfied that they, as a committee in an important matter of this kind. had the entire opinion of the large number of subscribers to the show. This was one of the things whi^h ought to be settled by the great body of subscribers tc an institution carried on on such an extensive scale, and though that meeting was well attended, it represented only a small number of the subscribers. He thought they should attempt to get the opinion of the whole of the large number of sub- scribers, of whom there were about 260. They should do this before coming to any decision, so as to be certain that in whatever action they might take thev were well backed up by the large body of subscribers to the show. They might have a circular printed with a number of questions to be answered by the subscribers. He did not like adjourning the meeting, still as they must either modify their views o drop the i-, hole idea they ought to be certain that they had the majority of subscribers at their backs.—The Secretary, in reply tu Mr Roper, said that 65 persons had been summoned to that meet in;—Mr Charles Howell said it often happened that where a uumber of the members of a committee failed to attend there was a good deal of grntubling afterwards i at what was (ione.)Ir 1\1 Powell thought the I best course would be to come to some decision as to their own views on the matter so that they could recommend something to the general meeting of subscribers. He moved that I after the results of last, year's show, and as Lord Puwis is unable to see his way to grant, the use of I the Park on the only day on which the committee w consider the show will have a chance of being a success, that the show for the present year be discontinued." He pointed out that last year's show was a financial fai.'uie and not only did they Jose money but prestige also. He had heard many remark tin t it was a very poor show, so far as the entertain- ments were concerned, and that they would not come again. He feared that if they could not hold the show on the first Thursday in August they I woula not only lose their little savings but have a deficit. It would be a great mistake to fritter away their present savings. He conld see r.o other course open but to discontinue the sh >w.— Mr Roper said he had so often spoken on this subject that. he did not intend to repeat what he had said before. He fully endorsed every- thing Mr Powell bad said, and though he could not say with pleasure, vet at the same time he seconded the resolution.—The resolution vvascariied without opposition, and it was agreed to call the subscribers together.—Mr Roper said that sn far as he had talkea with people it was the opinion that the show could not be carried on with the least chance (if success. They had now only X130 as agaillst £ 200 last year, which might have been devoted to some permanent purpose in the town. A PAIR OF LIARS. A good story is going the round of the clubs, say The Major," in To. Day. A certain very smart stockbroker was appointed captain in one of the Irish Militia. battalions. He was warned that the plausible old soldiers of this new company would get the better of him. Ho only smiled at the iden. Soon after the regiment was embodied the colour- sergeant came to his captain's room with an old soldier, who wished to speak to the officer. The man was admitted, and explained that he had heard from his wife, who was ill and—"if you plaze, sor, can I have forty-eight hours' Javo ? "You say you have heard from your wife," said the captain, smelling a rat, and beginning to turn up some imaginary correspondence on his table. 1 iiave, sor." "Ah replied the officer, I have heard from her too, and she asks me not to give you leave, for her too, and she asks me not to give you leave, for you only go home to get drunk ar.d break the furniture." "She wrote that, sor?" "Yes." furniture." "She wrote that, sor?" "Yes." "Aud does that mean, sor, that I can't have my lave ? It does." The man sainted and went to the door, then turning suddenly round he said, If you piaze, sor, may 1 say something confidential between man and man?" "Well, what it is?" answered the captain. IVIY, sor, under this roof are two of the most eeligant liors that the Lord ever made- lin not. a married man." -+-

Omdurman, it is said, now possesses three cafes, lun on modern piinciples, and even a music ware- house and a concert hall. Only a Bishop and a a brewery are needed to complete the civilisation of the desert city. I

MONTGOMERY PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The annual prize-giving in connection with the Church Sunday School took place at the National Schools 011 Friday. There was a large attendance. The Rector presided and paid a few words of en- couragement to the children. He urged them to make the best use of the din's of thrir vouth, to bf regular and punctual in their attendance at the Sunday School, and to second the efforts of teachers to instruct them in the principles of faith aud duty. Ho reminded the parents tnat the Sun- day School does not release them from their responsibility in regard to the religious inst ruction oi their children at home, and that it was their duty to set them a good example. He thanked the teachers for help and co-odcration and said that the large attendance at the Sunday School testified to the kindly interest of the t.eacheis in their important He congratulated the teachers, parents, and children upon the excellent attendance during the last year and this was shown by the number who had gained prizes and certifi- cates. Great praise, was dne to those who had made every attendance at the morning and after- noon schooi.—Mr 'lurnbnll, in seconding the vote of thaiiKS to the teachers, Sato howgra.tefui parents were for the w.rk done by the teachers in the Sunday Scrsool.—The children sang two songs very nicely at intervals daring the in ize-odving, ard after God save the Queen had been &une. the Rector gtive each child a bun and an orange. The following is the prize list:—Books earned by attendance tickets William Tnrnbui], Sarah Ann Davies. Agnes Gwiit," Emily Gwiit, Mary Emily Pryce, Georgina Davies, Beatrice Williams, Alice. I Williams, Catherine Wood, Maude Pryce, Mary Jones, Geo Weaver, Ed Weaver, Marv Weaver, Samuel Jones, Raymond Bright, Jno Whittingham, ¡ Wm "Whittingham, Lizzie Lowells, Annie Jones, (Castle street), Florence Hill, Gladys Wood, Susan Be&van, Maggie Pryce, Grace Tipping, Willie Jones, •Ed Prvce, Percy Wood, Arthur Davies, Annie Bebb[ Nora Jones, Ernest Jones, Charlie Jones, Ethel Annie Bason. Lizzie Davies, Annie Evans, Nellie Williams, Nellie Davies, John Bishop, Alick Wil. j lian s, Mary \Vilbams. Emily Williams, Minnie Williams, Frank Williams, Fred Williams, Wiliie Davies, Emily Bebb, Geo Evans, Myddleton Bright, Charlie Bason, Maggie Evans, Nellie Whettal, Tome Gittins, S A Whetiai, Mabel Maddox, Nora Maddox, Annie Mary Pnce, Annie Turnbull, Rboda Owen, Rose Russell, Martha Russei, Lizzie Turnbull, Daisy Tipping, Lizzie Evans. Sarah J Evans, Sophy Williams, Hilda Davies. Edith Pryce, Nellie Williams (Backyard), John Cheese, Pryce Williams, Margaret Rogers, Nellie Davies (Police Station), John Beavan, Walter Pritchard, Elizabeth b I Pritchard, George Yvm Davies, Edzabeth Grice, Charlotte Crowther, Susan Bunnor, Thomas Cheese John W Davies, Kitty Lewis, Margaret Peitchard, Wm Pritchard. for the two best attendances in each class, wiiws there are more than two the attendances are equal— Rev E Brown's class t Thcmas i"a ng, Fred Harris. =\1 r Tipping"s class: John Whittingham, Arthur Williams. Mr O R Owen s class: Samuel Jones, Ed I'ryce, Pryce Williams, Wm Whittingham, Percy Wood. Miss Evans' class: Ed Weaver. Henry Pryce, George Weaver, Alec Williams, Wm Pritchard. Miss Bryan's class M Beedle, Edith Lloyd, Ruth Wil- Mrt. Brown's ciass: Rebecca Jones, N Wiiiiams. Mrs John Davies'class Annie Jones, ;3üphy Wil- lift-ms. Maggie Pryce. Lizzie TurRbull. Grace Tipping. Miss II Davies' class A^ne* Gwiit, Emily Gwiit, Eveiine eavei.. Lizzie Pritchard, Sionie Davies. Lizzie Davies, Minnie Williams, Hhmia, Owon. Miss Eaton's class, Maggie Evans, Katie Wood. M 1^3 E M Davies' class Gladys Wcod, Maggie Pritchard, Lizzie Grioe. Miss Annie Allan's Class: A::I1;c Bebb, Emilv Bebb, j Annie Jone: Yera, Jones, George Evans. Miss Befftle's class Annie B;t"oI!, Annie Tarnbu'l. Miss t Nellie olais: Mary Pryce. May Weaver. 1 Beatrice Williams, Alice Wiiuams. Annie Evans, j Emily Williams and i-.i&y Williams. Moraine School: Boys, John Whittingham, Pryce Williams, Ed Pryce, and Wm Whittir.gham. Girls: Agnes j Gwiit, Emily Gwiit, Maggie Evans, Katie Wood, Maggie Pryce, and Lizzie Pi itch ard. Eoys (in- j J fant-a) George Evans, Alec Williams, Edward i Weaver, George Weaver, William Pritchard, and Henry Pryce. Infants (girls) Maggie Pritchard, S A Whettal, Lizzie Grice, Mary Pryce, Minnie Wiiiiams, May Weaver, and Annie Evaus. Certificates gamed by those who Lave not missed more than five at tendances: Agnes Gwiit, Emily Gwilt, Eveline Weavei, Lizzie Pritchard, Nellie Davies, Lizzie Davies, Minnie Williams, Katie Wood, Maggie Evans, Annie Jones, Sophy Wil- iiams,^Maggie Pryce, Gladys Wood, Maggie Prit.ch- ard, Lizzie Grice, Tho? Evans, Sam Jones, Ed Prvce. Pryce Williams, Wm Whittingham, John Whitc'ing- ham, Annie Bebb, Emily Bebb, Ed Weaver, Henry Pryce, Annie Evans, Geo Weaver, Aloe \Vi!.iaui8, Mary Pryce, May Weaver, 33 (maximum). The i above 29 made every attendance and received p'V, Vl framed ceiuificrtte =. The following are in order of merit: Beatrice Williams, A Williams, E Williams, May Williams, Annie Evans, W Pritchard, George Evans, Vera Jone-, Annie Jones (Kerry Street), Percy Wood, Fred Harris, Grace Tipping, Lizzie Turnbull, Lizzie Evans, Martha Jones, Rebecca Jones, Beatrice Harris, Charles B Williams, Arthur B Williams, Walter Pritchard, Charles Davies, Hilda Vaughan, Jane Maddox, Jane Whittingham, Daisy Tipping, Charlotte Crowther, M Beedle, Nellie Williams, Edith Pryce, Nellie Davies (Police Station), Edith LJoyd, Hilda Davies, Susan Beavan, William Harris, Annie Bason, Harold Tnrnbull, Marian Farmer, Ruth Wiiiiams, Annie Turnbull, Ben Maddox, Thos Maddox, Alary Maddox, M J Vaughan, Morffvdd Jones, and Rhoda Owen. Miss Bryan and the Rectur yave a special prize to the following children, who have made full attendances at both morning and afternoon school during the past year: John W nittingham, W.m WhittilJgham, Margaret Pryce, Edward Prjce, Catherine Wood, Agnes Gwiit, Emily Gwiit, Margaret Evans, Elizabeth Pritchard, Pryce Williams, Alec Williams, Ed Weaver, Geo Weaver, Margaret Pritchard, Elizabeth Grice, Mary Pryce, Minnie Williams, May Weaver, Henry Pryce, and Annie Evans.

LLANBRYNMAIR. THE BRITISH SCIfOOL.-T;,e B,iLisli School enter- tainment and distribution of prizes took place (,n Friday week. Mr J Ed wards, Post Office, presided, and Mr D ] Owen conducted. There was a very large audience. The following programme was gone through Choruses, Mae'r Cytxiry am godi," Dirge of a soidier," and "Springtime," School Children; action s:mgs, When babies go to school," Standards 1 and 11, Girls The Chinese Lautern." Girls The Village Minstrels and The German Band," Bovs songs in character, with choruses, I. Tjie Merry Peolnrs," Masters X Hughes, R Evans, and DN Hughes; The old folks at home," Mr Idris Jones; There was a mouse,Misses Jennie Hughes and Lizzie E Daniels The Sunbeam and "The old black cat," Infants; drill and chorus, Standards I and II, Boys recitations, Y Gwew ar y Fed wen," Infants; The little fish," Standards I and if, Gir.s; "Edward a Haw," Standard IV Bovs- solos, "13wthyn yr amddifad," "Y Plent-,Tll 'a'r Gwlith," P'am na hi Llewelyn," and The sore that, reached my heart," Miss Frances Lewis, Mach- ynlleth; Y Ferlen Ddu" and" Myfanwy," Mr- D Davies (Eos Cyfeiiiog) liiraeth," Mr" Peter O 1 1. Alr 0 Burton. The school has again this year kept u„ it* reputation for regular attendance, no fewer than eighteen scholars having uiaL;e full time during the past year. These deserving scholars were each invested with a handsome meùaJ, with ribbon, and clasp, by Miss Morgan of Llwynaere, in the absence of Mrs Francis, and Mrs Edwards, Post Office. Books were preseuted for attendance throughout the school. Many friends generously contributed towards the medals and prizes. The accompanists were Miss Morgan, Llwynaere, and Mr R W Davies, Glanrhyd. Mr and Mrs Edwards, Post Office, kindly provided buns for distribution among the school children. To all who had assisted in promoting the success of the meeting hearty votes of thanks were jxiver. on the motion of Mr J Rees, seconded by Mr Rich- 3rd Will iam*, jun., Hernlre. With the singing of Hen w !3] fy nhedau by Miss Lewis and Mr D Davies, a most enjoyable, meeting terminated..

LLAXWYDDELAX. Co\c~];t. — A very successful concert was given in the C.,r: -oh Sunday School Room on Friday evening w. vk. There was an admirable pro- gramme, the first item on which was a violin solo by AT,-is,.er B Christopher then followed Hearts 1 of Oak," by the Rector, the audience heartily join- in the chorus. Mrs Roberts and Miss Pottle acquitted themselves admirably. Two Little aü:]: Ïri IlL, by Miss II Bowen and Miss M Jones, with banjo accompaniment by Master B Chnstopher, was well received. Action duet, "You mustn't" bv Miss N Clarke and Muster M C! n-isropher, was loudly cheered. Nigger song by Master A Christopher, and humorous 1 ecitatiotig by -ler A Clarke, Miss L Gethin and Master M Christopher, were very amusintr. A comic song in character, and stump speech on tem- perance by M&sler E Christopher, were loudly encored. The las' Jtem Handy Andy," by Mr J D Thomas and Master B Christopher was EIIeid performed, the audience throughout standing in great excitement. Mr D Roberts took the chair, aou j;.rs Christopher presided n.t the organ. Few of thanks and the singing of the National 1 Anthem ended a dcMghtfo.1 entertainment,

LLAXGADFAN CAIIOL Skeyice.— (ia Friday evening week the Epipnany Carol Service was celebrated iu the Parish Church, which was crowded. A short even- song—fally choral—y.-as intoned by the R*v D C Jpnes, Rector, after which carols were rendered by parties conducted be Messrs R Mills J Owen, E Price, and D Roberts, the latter party being from ) Llanerfyl. Mr D Roberts sang of Zion" with great taste. The service throughout was very impressive. P Audit.—The half-rear]R audit the Llj mystyn estate was held at Cann Office hotel on Tuesday last, by Mr Forrester Addie, assisted by Mr Manford ar.d Mr Davies. There was fA, large muster of tenants- Tie company sat down to a dinner provided in Miss Owen's usual bounti- ful style. When the tables were cleared Mr W For- rester Addie. who presided, proposed the health of The Oueen and the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Roval Family." Then followed the toast of "Lord and Ladv Powis," proposed by Mr Hnehes, Ffridgowney. Mr Hughes referred to the loss which his Lordship had sus- tained last August by the disastrous ifre at Llvroys- tyn Had. The feast wis received with great enthusiasm. Mr W Forrester Addie proposed the health of "The tenants of the Llymvstvn estate," and said he was always very pleased to co'me among thera. ar.d at the cheerful'way in which they came forward to pay their routs. He also said that Lord Powis was very much touched by the sympathy with his Lordship which they and all others had shown when Idymystyn Hail was burnt- down. This toast was coupled with the names of Mr D Davies, Tycyfedw, and Mr Robert Hughes, j Ffridgowney, who suitably responded.-Th( Rev 1) C Jones gave the toast of Mr Addie," and s(1.id in Mr Addie they had a friend to whom they could go at all times, and that the tenants under him were happy and prosperous. — The toast was received with great acclaatmation.—Mr Addie gave the toast of Mr Owen, Miss Owen, and Mrs Williams, Cann Office." and wished them a long continuance of life and health to carry on the | house so honourably connected w;th their names. j —During the evening songs were given by Mr E iiharrs, Mr Torn A r.ley, aud Mr J Davies, Lluast. XEEWEKN. War Fukd.—On Friday week a concert wes given iu the fchooJrouE- in nid of the fund for the equipment of the Impeiia! Yeomanry. The room was crowded with patriotic sublets of the Queen. Mr T Morgan-Owen, J.P., H.MI, Maesfron, pre- sided, and be was introduced by the Vicar, the Pe. D Stephens, and received with loud applause. He said In the first place allow me to wish you one and all every good wish for the year just be- gun (applause). So f-ir it has been a very serious year for us, as oar forces in South Africa." who are bravely battling for what is just and right against what is brutal and wrong, have not been very suc- cessful but we hope for better results ere long (applause). In certain quarters our right to im.e: fere in S-nth African riiairs L been put to the question. Let me, therefore,very briefly put the case before you in a figurative manner. Some years ago chief partieR concerned might be represented by the respective positions of tiiree men. The one was on the ground struggling in the throes of death, while the second grasped him by the throat with the one. hand and poised aloft with the other his spear. But ere this weapon reached tre heart of the qniverintr wretch beneath it, a third man appeared and waved a..ide the triumphant foe (cheers). Well, my friends, the man on the ground was the Boer. The man who wished to wip? him out was the Zulu. The man who rescued the Boer was the Briton (cheers). Now, do von not think that under such circumstances as these the Boer would for ever be beholden to the Briton, and that to the end of time be would endeavour in every possible way to show his gratitude to him (cries of Yes, yes."). But what happened ? Ever since since his deliverance from the clutches of the ZUlU, the Boer has plotted and schemed against, the Briton (cries of Shame."). The position of the Briton in the Transvaal was that of hewers of wcod and drawers of water." He had no voto foi and no representative in their Assemb;ies-his children were obliged, whilst in school, to give up the language of their mothers and to speak Dutch—(shame)—and meanwhile the Briton had to pay almost all the rates and taxes- j (laughter)—and he aDd his were treated as beings inferior to the Boer. Was that right? (Cries of no, no.") The Boer filled his country, on "the slv, with guns, cannon, and ammunition, and when he thought he was quite ready for the Briton, who had allowed himself to be duped, the Boer threw off the Sovereignty of the Queen and said he would j sweep the Briton into the ocern (laughter). How- ever, he has not. done so yet-(Jaughter)-and I do not suppose he ever will do so, as the British Lion is -it his heels and will in the course of time make hit lair in Pretoria (cheers). I have said that onr days are serious ones and they remind us of the time when Napoleou Buonaparte threatened to invade England. Then as now our country roused itself as one. man and stood to arms. Then as now a Sir Watkin Williams-Wvnn assembled the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry to defend and to fight for their Fatherland — (cheers) —aud it is pleasing to know that the proceeds of this concert will be giver, in aid of the brave men who have volun- teered to join the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry (ap- pltiti;- programme was as follows Song, "The Briti.-h Lion," Mr W Morris: harp solo, Gweuith Gwvn," Miss Morgan-Owen reading, W hic-h would you choee !,(-v D Stephens; song, Jack's the boy for work," ír M Morgan-Owen so,g, Foiir jolly smiths," Mr C Morris; songj of the Queen," Mr Q.uin; song, "The curtain drops," Mr L Sykes A little farm well tilled," Messrs C and W Morris and R Preece: song, The Absent-Minded Beggar," Mr R Preece p Men of Harlech," M■cs xviorgan-Owen Soiig, Canity," Mr M Morgan-Owen; reading, On purser" Rev D Stephens; duet, The pilot brave," Messrs W Morris and R Preece; song, 1 hey all love Jack," Mr C Morris; soug, True as the compa.ss," Mr L Sykes; duet (in character), Country courtship. Mrs Quia and Mr R Preece. The accompanists were Miss Morgan-Owen and Mrs Qnin who performed their ardaous task's in an ad- mirable manner All the items received weii-de- eacores- An did not respond, but in some case*- the- audience would not be denied. As wen as being encored and responded to in Paru 1. of the program me, that popular song, "Soldiers of the Queen," was given by special request in Part II. and each time the chorus cauie round the whole' company joined in heartiiy. The stage had been nicely decorated with plants kindly sent from Maesfron, which with the aid of the footlights pre- sented a very pretty appearance. The usual votes of thanks were given to the chairman, the per- formers (especially those from the adjoining parish) to MrPheby for the loan or his piano, the audience for their heaity support to so worthy an object, and any who had in any way assisted. The singing of the National Anthem brought a very jolly even- ing to a close. Ail the expenses were verv gener- ously borne by Mr Morgan Owen. The proceeds amounted to over zC4, The collection taken after the singing of the Absent-minded Beggar was 16s.

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

OSWESTRY. CEOSS MARKET EXTENSION. A special meeting- of the Town Council was held on Thursday morning to confirm the Ma-kets Com- mittee s decision, and accept a ion with reference to the tenders received for extending the Cross Market. There were present the Mavor (Councillor n IT Mason), Alderman W en field, Councillors llowelt Duvies, W li Plimmer, Edward Roberts, S Parry Jones, E Bremner ad P., Danit.L vith Mr Jackson, deputy it-wn clerk, and Mr G W Lacey, borough surveyor.— The Mayor apologised for the absence of Vise Town Clerk, who WPo" detained in Lomh>n. The report of the Markets Committee t" ed that the following tenders were opened f„i h maiket extension work .— Mr J Higgins, £ 5,183 12s Id • Messrs Jones and Evans, £ 3,794 12s Mr Nicholas' Shrew bury, £ 5.751 3s 6d; Mr W Fehom £ 5,495 lis 9d; Mr W H Thomas, £ 4,99C I:- 9] Toe committee recommended that the lowest (Mr Thomas') be accepted.—Mr Bremner Smith said the committee went carefully into the tor rJer sub- ject to a revision by the Surveyor. Toe Surveyor had done the revision and there was an error of £ 9 12s 3d in the tender, which 0 Counci would not notice, he hoped. lie pr« pored that that ter.der should be accepted. He was glad ü find that a townsman had received the contract. —Mr Howe11 Davies seconded and saia t uat from what they knew of the firm the work woald be well done. He hoped the work would be finished before the fruit season as that was a bn.-y time in the market—Mr Jackson said Mr Thorns.? saw him that morning and stated that the snrvt;. or was errEd, be; he thought that as the tender was the lowest the sum in error should net be takes o5. | The propositi:Ti was agreed tc. i SCHOOL BOARD.—Trrj-DA >' j Present The Rev Norman Ogilvy {vice-chairman) presiding, the Revs T R-edferu and J I Povnter. Messrs \V Martin ar.c; J J Roberts « Mr J C Bull (c-lerk), and Mr H T Gougb (school attendance orflcei).—The Chairman and Mr T II H vt were appointed \>iring Committee tor t1 e "nsuing < nriomn. — Mr Maltoy sent in his rep.- rr on the examination of the Roarc Schools ir: religious knowledge, and stated that on the whole thought I the knowledge displayed by the children in the various subjects chosen by the Board was very j sac-istactory.—Mr Poynter moved that a neart-y vote of thanks be accorded Mr Maltby for his thorough examination and interesting report. He added that it was pleasing: to hnd that the relierioas instruction was so happily a: tended to.—Mr R,edfe> -1 seconded the proposition, which was agreed ,o. -Th(- Revs J J Poynter and T Redfein were appointed to revise the syiiabus of religious subjects.—Comelaint was madi- that short notice was given of tin examina- tion for labour certificates. The noric-i was i-e- ceived on Tie morning tne school broke up for the holidays and the examination held during tae rolidays. The Chairman said he dd i, --) t know whether the Bo.t. d would j rre;ke representations, to the chief inspector with a view to receiving suScient notice jn future. — Tne Clerk thought proper notice would bi3 given next time.— In reply to Mr Poyntei the Clerk stated thr.i be had ree*-ivr-d no information from the Education Department with reference to the Act which came into force on January 1st. whereby a chili must attend school until the age of 12, and not 11 as LEfore.r Poynter said he wanted parents to know that the school age had be n raised, and the Clerk asked the representatives of the Press present to give publicity to the fact.—Relative to the distribution of prizes, Mr Poyntei said Le thought some kind of an entertainment should be got up at whiCh trie school children should take part and tiie parents be invited, with a view to the Board getting into closer touch with the part nts. He gave notice that the matter should be considered at the next meeting- Ir Poynter asked the cierk if he had received any communication from the In- spector about the staff at the Bf}ys'Sdwol.-The Clerk said he had ziou.Mr Red,eru said the school was fuliy staffcu according to the number present. What they wanted was a junior to assisi as pupil teacher.—The Clerk also said that the Board com- plied with the regulation a.F: to staff.— Mr Poynter said his idea was a readjustment of the teaching staff more LIlaH an addition, but tuey had nothing official before them.-—Applications from Mr Srnouc, caretaker, arid Miss Nellie G Taylor were e >nsidered iu Committee. THE WORKING GIRLS' CtCH. On Friday evening [week, a successful children's entertainment was given in the Ariiiar Street Assembly Rooms, in aid of the "Working Girls' Club, which meets in the Assembly Rooms. There was a crowded house, nearly every seat being occupied. Tne programme opened with an over- ture on the pianoforte by Mr G W Ferrinirton and Mrs Henry Ferrington. The first portion of the programme ir.ciuued a pretty Maypole viance by a number of children, a march by the kazoo Band, the instrumentalists appearing in suitable uniforms, a scarf drill, two scenes from "Alice in Wonderland," the chief character beintr taken with much success by Miss E Coulson, a butterfly song by Master II Barclay and Miss E Coulson, and a Japanese umbrella song by a num- ber of girls. The part closed with a dormitory song, which caused ujuch amusement, the final scene representing a pillow fight between about a dozen school boys. The second part was entirely taken up with the operetta, Robin's Remedy, or the changes cf a night." The singing was much appreciated by the audience, and the dresses were much admired. Evidently great pains had been taken to train the children, all of whom snstained their parts faultlessly. The following were the characters:—Fairy Queen, Miss Mabel Minshall Prettywinks, Miss N Huxley; Robin the Red, Miss G Hammond Wiiiiams; Santa Clans, Mr F Askin German Ma.ician, Miss N Phillips; Spanish girl, Miss Littlehale* Japanese girl. Miss Whitridge; Welsh girl, Miss M Jones; trench demoiselle, Miss R Jones; Indian girl. Miss F Owen; Alexander, Master A Phillips Li-Yung, Master Owen; Antonio, Master J Whitridge; "ionnny, Master B Phillips; with a chorus of fairies and a chorus of rabbit fairies, who acted as charioteers to the Fair., Queen. The success of the entertainment was largely due to Mr W W Coulson, who acted as stage manager, and undertook the laborious duty of instructing several of the children in their parts. It is hoped that a large sum will he handed over to the funds of the club. Mrs Henry Ferrington made an able accompanist.

ELLESMERE. LITERARY SOCIETY.-At the weekly meeting of this society, held in the T- N-Li Hall on Wednesdry, Miss Jebb, Lee Hall, presided. There was a very large at tendance to hear the debate opened by Mr Lea (Ki.-isale), Can we keep the labourer on the land." Mr Lea is a large farmer aud employs a number of farm labourers. He feared it was only too true that the farm labourer was leaving the land and going iuto the large towns, and he said the only way to stop this was to give him an interest iu the land by giving him at least three acres of grass land to enable him to keep a cow, jugs, and poultry. The farm labourer's cottage as a rule was little better than the sheds in which the farmer kept his cattle, and he should hare comfortable cottages to live in. He pointed out that in their own neighbourhood, while farms were being added to, cottage properties had been allowed to dwindle away.and in many instances land had been put to the adjoiuitjp farms. In addition to the provision of mere cottages, he also advocated more small farms, which, he said, would give a steady, thrifty man a chance to better his position and further, that the land laws of the country should be altered' to enable owners to sell land. He moved, That in oraer to keep the labourer on the farm it was desirable that he should be oetter housed, and have at least three acres of grass land attached." Mr Juu Hood seconded the resolution, but con- tended that it hardly went far enough. Be said the labourer was leaving the land of his fathers because he got bptter waces, shorter hours, and better homes in the towns, and the ouly way to prevent him going away was to give him better pay, shorter henrs, a cottage fit to live in, and a few acres of land free of charge.—Mr Thos Ember- ton said he agreed with Mr Hood as to the better wages and shorter hours, but did not think the land would be much use to him, as very few labourers' wives could milk a cow or look after it. Mr Edwards (Haughton) said he supported Mr Lea. The condition of the labourer was not satisfactory at present, and he was in favour of giving him a piece of lanci.-Air W Lloyd also supported the resolution. He did not think the labourer would go awav if he was better treated. Evidently there was a disease somewhere, and a remedy must be found.—Miss Jebb, The Lyth, contended that the labourer did not want shorter hours, and said it was much happier for him to live in the country than in a back street in a town. —The other speakers were Mr James Bagnali, Mr Preece Mr ■ Rogers, &c.—There being no amendment -.i-,e reso- lution was carried unanimously, and the meeting terminated.

The London journeyman Qakeib have a batch of grien-atices, and are becoming crusty in consequence. They compiain that they have to loaf about while the bread is fermenting aud they ask ior an eight houis day. But the master bakers don't offer them a crumb of hope or comfort. If the journeymen try to take a rise out of the masters there may be a rise in bread, too.

LETTER FROM A WELSHPOOL SOLDIER. The following letter has been sent by Sergt T G Morris, late of Welshpool, to his mother:—12th Royal Lancers, Military Hospital, Wynberg, near Cape Town, South Africa. Dear Mother and Father, Just a few lines to let you know I've stopped one of the Boers' bullets on Monday, lltb inst., at the battle of Spytfontein. After lying on my belly for over 13 hours one of their shots found its way through my leg, so now I am lying on my back in hospital; but thank God it is not worse. We had a terrible time of it: I shonld say it was tho worst fight since the Crimean war. 'W(-Il, I never expected over seeing such a sight. Never mind, I. shall soon be right again; it's only a flesh wound through my calf. I am pleased with mvself when I see other poor fellows- with five and six wounds and some bones broken. Thank God mine is only slight to theirs. You will see I am in hospital near Cape Town, abont 700 miles from the scene of the battle. I came down from the front on the 19th inst. so I am all right in this hospital. We get every attention here; the people are ail very kind to all of us. So are the people at home -1hey keep on sending us things every mail. We had a (-plenoid voyage out here, I was not sick one Fin,.io.) (]:ty. You read about England having a few or so reverse?, but don't you Relieve all yon see iu the The Boers are losing more heavily than us; lean tell you they don't have it all their own way, but the devils get behind those hills and you can't shift them. They have not hea.rt enough to fight in the open or else the Lancers would show them what the cold steel was made for no fear, their heart is in the wrong place.