The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

COUNTY TIMES" SHILLING WAR FUND. We have pleasure in announcing that we have decided to open a Shilling Fund for the wives and families of the men serving their country in South Africa. Subscrip- tions of one shi'ling and upwards will be acknowledged in these columns, and the money sent to this office will be paid over to the Lord-Lieutenant's Fund. Those who prefer may give a weekly or monthly contribution so long as the war lasts. We invite our numerous readers in every part of the country to contribute to the fund.

> — T I! E W A R. LAST NIGHT'S CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAMS. SUCCESSFUL ATTACK BY LORD DUNuONALD, 20 BOERS KILLED AND 15 CAPTURED. The following has been posted at the War Office —From General Bulier to the Secretary of State for War. (Received 19th January, 11 aI11,),- Spearman's Camp, 18th January, 7.15 p.m Following message received from General Warren (? dated last night) Colonel Lord Dundonald with mounted troops came into action this afternoon with a force of Boers to the west of Acton Homes. At 7 p.m. I reinforced him with a detachment of 1st Dragoons. He has occupied the kopjes after a fight, and is new holding the position. Field- Cornet HeilMr.tn Boers killed and wounded an:1 15 pri'3. Lieutenant Shaw (Imperial Light Horse) severely wounded. Two privates (King's Royal Rifles) killed and one private (Imperial Light. Horse) wounded.

POET BECOMES VIOLENT. RorE, FRIDAY. The famous Ira'inn Poet, Bapicardi. has pnb- lished in u popular magazine a poem violently attacking Qu "-n Victors: and England.

B U L L E K ADVANCING. DCSBAX, JANUARY 18, 5.45 P.M. The first news of General Bullei's advance which the Censor ban permitted to he published was made known to-day amiu many demonstrations of public satisfaction ann enthusiasm.

IM T E EI A L V0 LUNT E ERS. Vast crowds; have again assembled round St. Paul's Cathedral to cheer the Imperial Volunteers.

TUGELA DIFFICULTIES SUR- MOUNTED. THE TUGELA CROSSED. WARnE; TURNING THE ENEMY'S FLANK. The following the text of the telegram issued by the War Otlice — From Lord Roberts to the Secretary of State for War.—Capetown, 18th Janu- ary.— I have received a telegram from Buller stating that one brigade and Howitzer Battery has crossed the Tugela lliver at Potgieter's Drift. Five miles further west at Frichard's Drift, Warren has thrown a pontoon over the river. By this a part of his force crossed yesterday, and the remainder is expected by this morning to be on the north bank. Warred hopes thai he will be able to turn the enemy's position, which, five miles off to his right fro.^t, is being strongly entrenched.

GENERAL BULLER'S ADVANCE ALL GOING WELL. BOMBARDING THE ENEMY. A telegram from Spearman's Camp dated Thurs- day night, says all is going well. Our howitzers, assisted by the Naval Brigade, have kept up a continuous bombardment of the Boer positions from Mount Alice throughout, the day. The range has been ascertained to a nicety, the shells iivari- ably finding the trenches of the enemy. Operations were directed frorr a balloon. We are now almost in touch with the Boers, but with the exception of a few long-distance shots, no rifle fire worth mentioning has been exchanged. Repeatedly yesterday the ijoers were seen galloping up from the direction of Colenso, and taking up their position behind the kopjes, where their laagers aie situated. The men are all eager and in excellent Spirits, and the health of the camp is good.

BULLER'S MOVEMENTS. BOERS SAID TO BE FULLY PREPARED. The Eclair says that General Buller's movements are perfectly well known to the Boers, who have spent the time since the Colenso fight in rendering their position s-vcure. It is now so secure that a frontal attack will be necessary to dislodge them. The Matin says General Joubert lias thought it best to await the English attack in a position exactly suited to his requirements. The impending engagement is doubtless the most important of the war.

WITH FRENCH'S COLUMN. AN AUSTRALIAN PATROL TRAPPED. RENSBCRG, Wednesday. A patrol of the New South Wales Lancers, con- sisting of nineteen men, had an unpleasant experi- ence yesrerday afternoon. They had been scouting in the neighbourhood of Nerval's Farm and were returning to camp when a party of 60 Boers sought to cut them i ff. The Lancers immediately made for an aajacent, kopje, intending to hold it against the enemy utitii they were relieved. It was a hard between them and the mounted Boers. When they reached the kopje, however, they found that an- other party of Boers were in possession of it, and the Australians were thus between two fires. The enemy proceeded to shoot the Lancers' horses, though three men managed to break through and having good mounts reached camp in safety. Of the remaining sixteen, two were killed and fourteen taken prisoners. telX MORE MEN RETURN. RKNSBURG, Wednesday, (later).—Six more Australians have returned to camp. One of them, who had hB horse shot, lay hidden until the enemy retiree, and then made good his escape. The re- mainder are prisoners.

THE MODDER RIVER RECON- NAISSANCE. SPLENDID ARTILLERY WORK. THE BRILLIANT DEFENCE OF LADYSMITH. MODDER RIVER, Thursday. During the demonstration which was made on Tuesday, a Boer laager was discovered. Accord- ingly a small column, consisting of Mounted Infantry and Artillery and three battalions of Infantry under Lord Methuen himself, yesterday made a reconnaissance iu the direction of the laager, which was found to have been removed during the uight. The infantry were drawn from the Highland and 9th Brigades. Our artillery made splendid practice. The Highlanders advancing up the river tired volleys into the bush, effectually clearing it. The enemy returned our fire briskly, but without effect. The object of the reconnais- sance was most successfully attained. During the afternoon a lyddite shell from one of our guns fired the brushwood on a kopje occupied by the enemy. The fire blazed merrily until rhe evening, when the Boers extinguished it under cove" of daikness. There was heavy shelling by out big guns this morning, the lyddite shattering the face of the enemy's position. Oitr naval men have a profound admiration for one of the enemy's gunners, who can plainly be seen sitting out in the open in his shirt sleeves calmly takiug observations of our .position. He gets back to cover as soon as he sees the smoke of our guns. The Riet River is in flood.

A CRITICAL MOMENT. The London Mail correspondent wires: Reus- burg, January 17. Later information with re spect to the skirmish near Slingersfontein on Mon- day shows that nnder the continuous roar of musketry, which prevented our men from showing themselves over cover, 200 Boers er-jpt up the hill, hiding behind stones. Captain Orr fell badly wounded, and several men of the small force were killed. Just at this moment Captain Maddoeks, of the New Zea.land«rs, hearing the heavy fire on the Yorkshire side of the hill, rushed up, saw the critical situation, and gave thci order in stentorian tones to fix bayonets and charge. The effect was magical. Our men ru-.ii. d f,,t-uU.rd with great courage, and led bv M&iid<><-KK. v.vept. the enemy from the hills. They left their killed to be buried by us.

THE LADYSMITH FIGHTING. THE PLUCK OF THE DEVONS. I BOER LOSS ESTIMATED AT 1,100. The Times Pietermaritzburgcorrespondent wires: —Wednesday.— Times of Natal" runner brings news from Ladysmith down to the 10th inst. There appears to have been two attacks on the 6th on two of our positions, and they were met with splendid defenc e I'll(, a, facls lasted 17 honrs. The enemy fought most, stubbornly, and it was the pluckiest work attempted by them yet. That we won the day is due chiefly to the Infantry. The Devons executed. f. splendid charge. The Imperial Light Horse hnd si-me '!e-pi-ra.te work to carry through, an(i tti-. There are eight of their officers worn lien "at of ten. A farious hail- stoitn (,II1'S[ ov.-rnead while the action was in progress Wlu-n wind changed and the hail was blown towards the enen.v the Devons charued with the b"\IJlwt with the storm at their back?, giving <.•;•> prolonged yell while they rushed the enemv. The Boers pluckily maintained a heavy fuMlade from cover with the hail in their faces. The Devons, heedless of the fearful fire, never hesitated. The Boers became utterly demoralised, their leaders hieing killed. Some con- tinued to fire, notwithstanding the grim hopeless- ness of the position, but the majority finally ran away. The Devo.isreceived showers of shrapnel throughout the engagement from distant heights. The enemy's strength at both attacks was 10,000. The above is only one out of many exciting incidents which occurred in the course of the determined attack. According to the latest estimate the enemy lost 1,100 killed and wounded. All was cilliet at LadysUJith between the 6th and 10th.

LETTER FROM A BERRIEW MAN. Trooper Martin Bevan, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, a native of Berriew, in a letter from Arundel, dated 22nd December, writes to a friend at the Railway Hotel, Oswestry, as follows :-I am very glad to say I am not wound >d yet or dead as you see, but I have been very near it several times. We had a !!eI¡eral.en!ttg'ment the other day and after the battle we went to the Boer's position to see what work we had done. We found scores of graves, and what an awful sight we witnessed Legs and arms were sticking out of the graven the dead not having bjen properly buried. After rhe battle we were on them so soon that they were glad to clear away witi. heavy loss. No doubt \jn have been wonder- ing wha' has become of me. Well, you know we are fightiug day and night, so I have not much time to write. The weather here is llubearable-hot, ami the nights so cold. I like the war all right. We can get letters here just the same as at home. We aro going to attack Colesberg some of these days. The Boers are there in thousands and they say they will never allow a British soldier in the place, but they will be sadly mistaken. They wiil find us there one of these days and they will get a warIIl time of it. No doubt we will get it a bit rough before we land there.

LETTPR FROM COLENSO, "A STORM OF BULLET S." Writing from Colenso on December 21st to his sister, Miss Chidlaw, of the Railway Hotel, Oswes- try, Mr R Chidlaw, a private in the 1st Royal Welsh Fusiliers, says :—"Just a few lines to let you know that I am going on all right and am in good health at present. We had a very rough time of it on Friday, the 17th Dec. We attacked the Boers' position and we lost over a thousand killed and wounded, but our regiment was very luckj we had only three wounded. I was expecting to see my company wiped out every moment, as we formed part of the firing line and the bullets and shells were falling as thick as hail. It was awful to hear them whistling around us. I thought my timewasup,andsodideveryoneofmycompany. The Boers hold a very strong position here and it will be a long time before we will be able to shift them from it if we don't get more artillery, as the Boers have captured ten of our guns already. We were marched to the Boers' position as if there was nobody there, and we got within a thousand yard s before they opened fire OIl us. That is how we lost our gnns. It was impos- sible to get them away as the Boers kept storming them with bullets, but one of the Artillery made a gallant attempt to save his gun and had one horse shot under him, but he managed to get one gun away. You would have thought that nothing could live in such a storm of bullets. They say we are going to relieve Ladysmith, but I think we shall need help ourselves if things do not alter. If we can shift them from here, it is said that it will not last long, as the Boers have only two other stands between here and Ladysmith. This life is a bit off. We have to be content with three pints of water a day, and the weather is very hot and trying at times, but for everything else we have very little to complain of." —

RAILWAY MEN'S DLSNEH AT OSWESTRY. The annual dinner in connection with the employees of the Cambriau and Great Western Railways stationed at Oswestry took place on Thursday night at the Railway Hotel, when Host and Hostess Howell placed- a capital spread on the tables to which about 70 sat down. The Mayor (Councillor R II Mason) presided, and the vice- chair was occupied bv Mr H, \ston (in the absence of Mr Williams, Cambrian station master), the supporters being Messrs R P Roberts. R. Manual, — Dixon, J.Bunting, and — Williams. —The expenses were defrayed by collections carried out by Messrs. Dixon and Jordan.—After the company had dined, the Mayor gave the toast of the Queen." Ho said there was no doubt the Queen thought a lot of her noble defenders in the Transvaal (Applause). The toast was enthusi- astically received. At this juncture a letter was read from Mr Taylor, Q. W. R. station-master, re- gretting absence and wishing the company a pleasant evening. Ho sent '5s. towards expenses (applause).— The Vice-Chairman give the "Army, Navy aud Reserve Forces and said tbat at a time like the present when we wereat war the toast should be taken serious'y.^ It was natural of persons to respect those who wore Her Majesry's uniform. We relied upon the Army and Navy in times like these and as for the volunteer foret's he need hardlv point out the prompt response they had made to the call for as-hsi^oce (applause) to h op the Queen and her suhjeom in getting out of the difficulty in the Transvaal. He coupled with the toast the name of an old veteran who knew what it was to go to the front—(applause)—namely, Mr T Williams.— Mr T Williams, in responding, endorsed the vice-chairman's remarks regarding the forces. He was pleased at the way the was received and to be amongst them and hoped they would be spared to met, on H uother üecasion (appJause).- The. Mayor said he remeBlbere(1 the time when Mr Williams enlisted after which nothing was heard of him for several years, but at last he turned np at Oswestry after having fought the country's battles in various parts of the world (cheers).—In propos- ing The Town and Trade of Oswestry," Mr Wil- liams said the town was in a very flourishing condi- tion, judging from the number of houses which had been built and the way the town was expanding generally. The trade would compare proportion- ately with that of any town in the kingdom and the tradespeople could not be excelled anywhere. He coupled with the toast the name of their worthy Mayor (cheers).—In acknowledging, the Mayer thanked Mr Williams for the way lie pro- posed the toast, and the cempauv for receiving id so enthusiastically. Oswestry would not be what it is, but for the late Mr Thomas Savin, the pioneer of the Cambrian Works—(applause)—and the markets brought a good deal of trade for which they must thank sach men as the late Alderman Thomas and Mr Bremner Smith, the present chair- man of the Markets Committee (applause). Only that morning the Council signed the contract for alterations to the Cross Market which would cost about £5,000. The Council must be able to accom- modate those who brought produce to the market. He need not remind them that their Smithfield was the best in England; Oswestry was the best mar- ket town in England or Wales, comparative! v speak- ing; and there was no town which sent off such a lot of stuff as Oswestry did. He was realed in the town, apprenticed, and had a business there, so he something about it (cheers).— The Vic( Chairman proposed the "Railway interests of the United Kingdom," and said he was glad to find that there was such unity between the servants of the two Companies catering for. Oswestry and they were led to understand that Unity was strength (applause). One was a system of double lines and the other was practically a single line, but he could say they were both good systems (ap- plause).—Mr R Manuel, whose name was coupled with the toast, responded on behalf of the Cam- brian Railways. He said he took great interest in railway matters and was glad of the opportunity to meet his co.workers to spend a social ovening once a year (hear, hear). He was glad to say that the Cambrian was inoreasing in prosperity and in future greater progress would be seen than was ever seen before. The men that day were in a better position than ever they wero (hear, hear). The General Manager was at all times ready to listen to whatever the men may brino- before him, if there was ground for it, and had re- sponded to it as far as lay in bis power. With his help and [he officials and men combined no doubt there were better days in store for the Cambrian. He was pleased to find such unity as was that night witnessed between the men of the two companies. He hoped railway men would always remember that Unity was strength (hear, hear). It was a fact, and they could read it daily in the Press (applause).—Mr R P Roberts responded for the Great Western, and said the railway had the greatest mileage of any railway, and if prosperity followed it as it did last year it would soon be the leading railway (applause). — Mr Manuel proposed the health of the Chairman which was received with musical honours, and the Chairman responded and gave the health of the Vice-Chairman, who suitably replied.—The Host and Hostess and the collectors (Messrs Dixon and Jordan), terminated the toast li3t.—Songs were given by Messrs Adams Butcher, T Richards, R P Roberts (encored), F Howell, Rogers, D Mason, A Onions, Williams, B Rogers. A very pleasant eveniug was spent.

REVIEWS. Cabell's Magazine for January contains amongst other interesting matter an article on The Scene of Action All about the Boers," which well describes the scene of the present war, of which several illustrations are also given. Many interest- ing reminiscences are also given in an article on Famous Regiments." Little Folks for January has several most amusing little tales, and must prove most interesting to the little ones who are privileged to see it. We have received for review from Messrs Raphael Tuck ani Sons, Ltd., a s:amped and signed Britannia" Remarque Proof of the Photogravnre Sons of the Empire." The picture depicts four typical representatives of English, Scotch, Irish, and Welsh Regiments, of whom an officer of the Guards, holding aloft the Union Jack, occupies the centre. Ranged round in its defence, with weapons "at the ready," are stern stalwart men representing the various contingents contributed by the different Colonies to the fighting forces in South Africa, the other branches of the Imperial Service, Artillery, Engineers, and Infantry being separately repre- sented, while the Blue Jackets and Marines also occupy a deserved position, the whole forming a group which, in its picturegqneness, its power, and its concentrated force, well typifies the vastness and solidarity of the Empire. Reproduced in high- class photogravure Messrs Tuck have decided to issue this beautiful work of art at the price of 5:1, relying entirely upon an unprecedented popular demand throughout the whole of the Empire, for realisation of a handsome addition to the Transvaal Fund to which the first year's profits will be devoted. A limited number of double and single Remarque Proofs and Artist's Proofs, on India, each one stamped and numbered, will be issued. Copies may be obtained direct or from local fine art dealern or stationers.

« MAKAFON. WAR FUND.—A collection was made in Manafon Church on Sunday in aid of the War Fund and] realised JE1 13s 3d.

ODDFELLOWSHIP IN MONTGOMERYSHIRE. ANNUAL MEETING- AT NEWTOWN. SPEECHES BY THE COUNTY AND BOROUGH MEMBERS. The Annual Meeting of the Montgomery District of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity) took place at Newtown on Thursday. In tho morning a meeting was held for the transaction of Lodge business when there were the following in attendance :■— District officers, R Swancott, Prov. G.M.; John Oliver, Prov. D.G:M.; and C Shaker, Prov. C.S. Deputies from the Lodges: Montgomery, Bros. Stephen Davies and E Pennie; Bishop's Castle, Bros. Arthur Jones and H Phillips; Plynlyaion, Bro. Evan Evans; Welshpool, Bros. T C Pryce and S J Pryce; Churchstoke, Bros. Thomas Richards and G Mountford; Newtown, Bros. F W Cooke and J Howard Jones; Builth, Bro. Thomas Samuel; Berriew, Bro. M D DavieH; Trefpglwvp, Bro. W Savage; Carno, Bro. Morris Jones; Kerry, Bro. H A Dolman; Middletown, Bro. Richard Pl-eece. The minutes of the last half-yearly meeting, and of the special meeting held in November for the purpose of sanctioning the opening of a new Lodge at Middletown, were read and confirmed.—The report of the District Auditor?, which stated that the accounts were accurately kept, was also adopted. With reference to any members of Lodges in the district, who are already or may be engaged in the present war in South Africa, it was proposed and carried unanimously That the contributions of any members of Lodges in this district who are called out for active service or garrison duty from amongst the Reservists, Yeomanry, Volunteers or Militia, be paid from the District Management Fund so long as they, are employed in such duties during the present South African War."—It was decided to hold the next district meeting at Kerry. —Bros. F W Cooke' and G, J Wroughton were appointed auditors of district accounts, and Bros. J E Tomley and W Savage were appointed to represent the district at the Portsmouth A.M.C. THE DINNER. In the evening the members and others sat down to an excellent dinner in the Public Hall. The chair was occupied by Bro. G H Ellison, P.P.G.M., and the invited guests were: Mr Tom Hughes, J.P., of Llaneliy, Grand Master of the Manchester Unity, Mr A C Humphreys-Owen, M.P.,and Colonel E Pryce-Jones, M.P. There were also present Captain Luxmore, Imperial Yeomanry, the Rev George Roberts, Dr Raywood, Messrs Evan Evane, P.P.GiM. (Llanidloes), T A Foster, C Shuker, Prov. C.S., W Savage, P.P.G.M. (Trefeglwys), F W Cooke, J E Tomley (district auditor), C W Norton, M D Jones (Berriew), and R Tomley (district treasurer). The local lodges were represented by the following .delegates Bros. Morgan Jones (Welshpool), T C Pryce, P.P.G.M, (Welshpool), R Preece (Middle- town), J Richards, D.G.M., and G Mumford (Church- stoke), R Jarmr,n and C Owen (Llanidloes), Arthur Jones ( Bishop's Castle), G Pryce (Kerry), R Swan- cott and F Morris (Carno), S Davies and E Pennie (Montgomery). On the conclusion of the repast, the Chairman read a telegram from Mr N W Fairies-Humphreys, Montgomery, apologising for inability to attend.— Mr Ellison afterwards submitted the customary patriotic toasts, which were enthusiastically re- ceived. OUR GALLANT DEFENDERS. Mr William Lewis, in a neat speech, proposed "Prosperity to the Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces." In responding, Col Prvce-Jones said he regarded this toast as the most important one of the whole evening (hear, hear), and he craved the indulgence of his hearers while he replied at some length. In this present war we had had surprises, unpleasant sur- prises, we had had disappointments, and we had had revelations. The war was opened in great con- fidence by the country which anticipated that the department which had charge of the important duty of defending us would prove equal to the occasion. But as the war developed that confidence and those expectations had been sadly disappointed. The authorities were certainly entitled to a share of the credit for the expeditious manner in which large bodies of troops had been conveyed to SOUTH AFRICA, bnt, in his opinion, the nation at large was deserving of still more credit. What was it that had hap- pened P What dreamer in his wildest fancies would have ventured to predict six months ago that what had happened would have come to pass ? Who would have thought that our Yeomanry and our Volunteers-auxiliary forces only meant to defend our own land-would have been asked to assist in work which one would have thought our army would have accomplished unaided. But in a very brief period of time, all these things had come about, and when Parliament met everything must be probed to the very bone by an inquiry which would disregard personal aud party considerations (hear, hear). The safety of the country must never again be endangered by the Shibboleths and sophistries of party differences. With regard to our Generals and soldiers, no true Englishman would venture to attack them, even assuming that they had made mistakes, and he was not going to assume that. However, they all knew that, both officers and men would do the best they could. It was a question for the War Office who would have to be responsible to the HOUSE OF COMMONS and to the country. Let tiiem as far as possible consider what it was our army at the front was deficient in. First they were supplied with guns that were outranged and in many other respects inferior to those in the possession of the enemv. It was true that we had not been able to send some-of our best artillery out, but what he said was this—that we should never have undertaken the war unless we were in a position to carry it through in as merciful a manner as possible. For his own part he did not believe in war unless as a last resort, and his object in being a volunteer and encouraging volunteers was to make every man efficient in Lhe use of arms, so that when we were obliged to fight we should be able to DEFEAT OUR ENEMIES as quickly as possible. There could bo no doubt that our War Department had shown a want of intelligence by underratiag the strength of our opponents. Where had been their ears to listen to, wliere ii,.d been their eyes to see, what had been going on through so many years ? When he saw our soldiers fighting under such great disadvantages it seemed to him to resemble a conflict between an armed aud an unarmed man. Amongst other things it was also admitted that we were deficient in light infautry, iltid, to go into smaller matters, field glasses and proper maps of the country. All these were very sorious matters, and he looked upon it in this liglit-tviat it had been a SHOCK TO THE WHOLE WORLD to find we had been so unsuccessful in the initial stages of the conflict. He knew we would win in the end—that we must do—and when we were victorious wo must be firm in onr determination to make impossible in the future an undertaking of the magnitude of the present one, by thoroughly overhauling the War Office, the most important department in the country. The present war had served, at least, one good purpose in demonstrating to the whole world the loyalty of our colonists, who had given us an earnest of their readiness to draw upon their practically inexhaustible resources in the way of men, if the Empire should require them. He was convinced that if the colonies had not come to the rescue in this hour of trial to the strongest Government of modern times, if not of the century, there would have been a repetition of what took place IN 1881. There could be no question tnat the reverses we had suffered were attributable to incapacity and want of foresight on the part of our military advisers, and he should be disappointed if the result of the Parliamentary inquiry was not a determination to re-organise our military system, and by so doing prevent any repetition of what had taken place in the present campaign (hear, hear and cheers). This inquiry must be held, it might be after the war, regardless of persons or personages, parties or even Parliament. No victory, however complete, must be allowed to overshadow this duty and prevent au inquiry the results of which should make impossible a recurrence of what had happened during this campaign. It was all vory well for us to send our generals and soldiers out to fight our battles and ask them to do impossible things when the men who were paid by the country to tind out the strength of the enemy had neglected their duty. This in civil matters was murder or manslaughter, and in military matters it amounted to much the same. He said again, it was most serious, and he would support to the very utmost the forthcoming inquiry, because he War Office and the War Department had been hammered at for many years, by many Govern- ments. It was a case of ETKRYONE AGAINST THE WAR OFFICE, which would have to be re-constructed and' a new system organised to ensure that never again would the splendid gallantry of our soldiers and the ability of our generals be expended to so little purpose as in the present conflict. Notwithstand- ing the blood and treasure which had been so freely poured forth, we should perhaps come to look upon the war with net unmixed regret if it served in the end to place the Empire on a firmer and more lasting basis than it stood upon before it had to face this tremendous check, this earthquake, before countries, three parts of which were not on the most friendly terms with us (loud applause). OUR SPIRITUAL ADVISERS. The "Bishop, Clergy and Ministers ofjall denomi- nations" was submitted by Mr T C lYvee, of Welshpool, who alluded to the fact that the Rev George Roberts had volunteered for the front.— Mr Roberts, in reply, said that in this district he was looked upon as rather a "black sheep" because he wa,3 very fond of a dance and a game of foot- ball (hear, hear). He also belonged to the Volun- teers. He participated in all these things because he held that the best exponent of Christianity was not the man who only went to church or chapel, but rather he who could carry into the dance or the playing fields the spirit of true manliness (great applause). Referring to the calamity which had come upon our country, from a clergyman's point of view, he said that WAR WAS A TKRRIBLE THING, but it had an influence for good as well as for evil. We cried for peace and we prayed for peace, but it was well for us as a nation to remember that we did not want peace at any price (hear, hear, and applause). THE COUNTY AND BOROUGH MEMBERS. Mr J E Tomley, in submitting the above toast, said that at gatherings of the nature of the present one they could all meet on the common ground of Qddfellowship where politics ceased from troubling and the weary legislators were at rest (laughter). They in the Manchester Unity were proud of the fact thaJ; the majority of the House of Commons were Oddfellows. In Montgomeryshire they were fortunate enough to include amongst their numbers both the County and Borough Members (applause). After alluding in eulogistic terms to the capable manner in which Mr Humphreys-Owen and Col. Pryce-Jones discharged their numerous duties, Mr Tomley went on to speak of the growing prosperity of Newtown, which he, and many others, looked upon as the LEEDS OF WALKS. Turning to the war, he said it was a fiot of which all Volunteers could be proud that the 5th V.B. had responded so nobly to the call to arms, five times the number of men that were required having offered their services.—The toast was drunk with a bumper and amid the singing of For they are jolly good fellows." Mr Humphreys-Owen responded. He said it was always a pleasure to him to do anything he could for the furtherance of the principles of Odd- fellowship, and also to work in the interests of Montgomeryshire with his colleague, C ;i Prvce- Jones (hear, hear). 001 Pryce,J(),;e,; had had the advantage of having addressed the gathering first and had made a very interesting speech, in the course of which he threw out a chaPenge. Perhaps the Colonel would excuse him if be did not readily aocept the challenge. He would rather reserve I what he had to "my on the subject of the war to some future occasion, and he wodel only add that lie must congratulate his colleague on the inde- pendent spirit he had shown (hear, hear). It seemed to him—perhaps he was too critical an auditor—that there was some, little variation between the line taken by Col Pryce-Jones and his leader MR ARTHUR BALFOUR. That, however, was a matter of private concern and it would be indelicate for him to press it any further. When he first came into this county one of the things which struck him was the far too great prevalence of their clubs founded on an insecure basis. With the aid of the late Lord Powis and the late Lord Sudeley and other gentlemen, he started a society which in its time did a certain amount of good in procuring for some of the smaller clubs in the country the great advantage of a pro- per audit by an experienced actuary. He was glad to think that there were clubs now existing and flourishing which owed their re-establishment to the efforts of that Society, but he regretted to think that other clubs, confident in their own strength had disregaraed the advice given them and had now come to the inevitable close which awaited all benefit societies not established on SOUND ACTUARIAL PRINCIFLBS. Over 3C years ago a Commission was iustituted to inquire into Friendly Societies, and the roport which it presented wa3 of the most interesting character. One of the great results of the division of clubs was that RO one in these days woald be guilty of supposing that a lodge which took con- tributions for 2G- years and then broke up would have done anything but unmixeil harm. He wished to propose a toasc-the toast of the Order itself. It seemed perhaps somewhat anomalous that they should drink to their own noble selves, but he thought the Order had reason to be proud of itself when it considered the immense educational value it had been to its members, and how instrumental it had been in saving many hundreds of thousands of Englishmen and, as he hoped, in the future, of Englishwomen (applause). Their PRpGRESS HAD BESN MOST MARKED not only in regard to members, but what was of far greater importance in regard to solvency. He remembered a benefit ssciety being started in the county of Salop because of an almost universal belief that the Oddfellows were in an utterly rotten condition. That pessimistic belief had since been shown to have been not well grounded. lie believed however that it had a certain amout of truth, for in those days he doubted whether the average solvency of the lodges was anything more than about 10s or 12s ion the pound. Now he understood the average actuarial solvency of the lodges was from 17s to IBs, and he hoped they would all live to see the time when it would be 22s to 23s all round (ap- plause). The Order was now passing through a crisis in various ways. It was beginning the forma- tion of female lodges, and he was confident that as women were now taking such an active part in social, educational, and even political movements they would also show their interest in benefit societies by joining in large numbers. Another j very important feature was the growth of the JUVENILE BRANCHES. Nothing was more valuable to a parent lodge than to have a good iodge of junveniles to act as feeders to it. The larger the club the more suitable were the averages upon which they must depend for their benefits (applause). Lastly, there was the great question, still under discussion, as to the extent to which the State, if at all, should aid in the work of Friendly Societies. It was quite clear that the only State aid which could possiblv be giveu to Frijndly Societies was that of relieving them of the very heavy burden of old age sickness, so apt, as they all knew, to become practically a pension. He believed that their present Grand Master was a strong supporter of State aid, but he (the speaker) had never yet seen a scheme which disposed of the practical difficulties existing. He could sum these difficulties up by saying that it was hard to see HOW THE STATE COULD HKLP Friendly Societies without attempting to insure their solvency, and so interfere with that inde- pendence which had been the life and soul of Friendly Societies hitherto. It would tax adminis- trative ingenuity to find such a scheme. To 'come down to home affairs he congratulated the Order on having a Welshman for a Graud Master—(hear hear)—and he begged to couple with the toast he had referred to the name of Mr Tom Hughes (loud applause). The Grand Master said he was exceedingly obliged to the County Member for the very interest- ing speech in which he had introduced the toast of the Manchester Unity- It was not his intention in coming to visit Newtown to give an exposition of the principles guiding the work of friendly societies. Fortunately he was that night in a district where those principles were well understood and faithfully carried out. It was tiue that it frequently happened that in the districts where the lodges were in a state of solvency the people lived longer. As they all knew the oecupations and trades carried on iu one part of the country were often more hazardous than those carried on in another part. He thought they must at all times give credit to the officers, who had the intelligence to profit by the experiences of the past and insist upon reforms being carried out and a firm adherence to the regulations )aid down (hear, hear). In re- ference to THE MANCHESTER UNITY he thought they might be pardoned if they said that they were proud of it. It was an organisation expanding in all directions, and keeping pace with the growth of the Empire. The accumulated funds of the Order were at present about 10 millions (hear, hear). During the last 25 years no less a sum than 22 millions had been received in con. tributions, and about 16 millions paid out in sickness, benefits and funerals. These were formid- able Sgnres. They were proud to think that they had had in their Order, in years gone by, intelli- gent men, who, recognising how necessary it was to avoid disaster by the preparation of returns, rigidly adhered to a system regulating their finances. He did not wish to speak a disparaging w°rd of any other Order, but 13-nfortuDatelv we had in this country societies which were promising things they could not fulfil, and the men who were at the head of those societies incurred A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY. What would the members of those societies say when they found that after paying contributions for years and years there was nothing left for them. There was no doubt that the best thing they could do was to further strengthen their Order bv induc- ing as many young men to join as possible. In connection with the Manchester Unity they had one of the best actuaries in the whole of the United Kingdom, and they had a system whereby anv error in the management of any particular lodge was detected and rectified. Sometimes it was impossible for clubs which fell upon evil days to recover themselves and then they appreciated the advantage of belonging to a wealthy Order ever ready to help clubs which found themselves IN FINANCIAL STRAITS. In cases like those the only condition which was imposed was that the poverty-stricken club should carry out the recommendations of the Board of Directors and so insure against a. repetition of a similar state of affaira. There were a great many other features in connection with their Order which he should have liked to refer to if time had allowed. Reference had already been made by the County Member, who was evidently thoroughly well versed in all that was good for the government of Friendly Societies, to the fact that they had gone forward in the matter of female lodges and juvenile branches. lonth was the proper time to join a Friendly Society and he did not know of any greater good that could be dcna than by instilling into the minds of the young the necessity for making provision against times of sickness, THE INEVITABLE LOT of a large percentage of mankind. It had been fou-dd that nearly 90 percent, of the juveniles, when they got old enough, transferred to the adult lodges, thereny bringing up the ranks of the Order to the full complement. Hitherto the feminine element had been excluded from participating in the advantages accruing from Friendly Societies, but now female lodges had taken very deep root in the country, especially in the industrial centres. Theirs was rot a caste institution, but one which had noble and high aima, and one of those aims was the procuring of a more equitable distribution of property, by which means they hoped to make better citizens, worthier of the great Empire which their Orcier was doing, and would continue to do, so macii to perpetuate. The Borongh Member had touched upon the excellent spirit shown bv the colonies in this war. He (the Grand Master; believed that the loyalty of OUR COLONIAL BRETHREN had been fostered by the teachings of Friendly Societies, which were established wherever the Anglo-Saxon race bad a footing. There was one question which, above all others, was likely to be. brought before the country in the future, and tnat was tbs question of the necessity of making proper provision for the aged and feeble. The question was one bristling with difficulties, but there was now a desire on both sides of the Hon si that something should be done, and that in co- operation with the Friendly Societies of the country. lie did not think it would be equitable that those who made no provision for themselves should participate in anything the Government proposed to do ia regard to Old Age Pensions (ap- plause). It was a disputed point how far the State should aid Friendly Societies, but he was fully convinced that it was practically impossible for a large percentage of their members to pay such an increased contribution "s would entitle them, after a certain ago to a pension from the funds of their organisation. Unfortunately it was the lot of a considerable proportion of the members of our INDUSTRIAL POPULATION that,, when they attained the age of 65, they had nothing better than to rely upon Friendly Societies- or upon those who had been more successful in life. He thought it was a reflection upon this great Empire that a man, who had during his life born the heat and burden of the day, should be forced to solicit relief from the parish (hear, hoa.r). They were asked, Where is the money t,o coma from to provide for Old Age Pensions ?" The Government had the knack of finding funds when they set tneir mind to it, and he for oue, seeing the enoimous amount of money in the cofintry—vory unequally distributed some of it—considered it would be comparatively easy to realise the re: uisite amount by a graduated income tax. He thanked them very cordially for the hearty reception- they had given him (applause). OTHER TOASTS. "The Visitors" having been submitted was responded to by Captain Luxmore. Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P., in reponding to the toast of his health, proposed at an earlier stage of the proceedings by Mr J E Tomley, said that he had now represented the Montgomery Boroughs in Parliament for five years. They had passed more quickly than any other part of his life, and that showed^ the very great pleasure it gave him to fulfil his various Parliamentary duties, notwith- standing many disappointments and a certain amount of discouragement from time to time. He thanked Mr Tomley for his kind remarks in reference to himself and the volunteers. His friend Mr Humphreys-Owen was scarcely able TO FOLLOW THR LEIZK which he (the Colonel) gave in reference to that inquiry which should be conrluct.fdapart from per- sonal or side issues, ,vhich ir. duty to do all in their power to bring about, Patriotism came before palty, and with regard to the military deficiency for which a prima jic.i-e case had in his opinion beeu made out, this was not t), question of party, nor was it a question of leaders. They must remember that the very destiny- of our country was at stake. The leader of the opposition, Sir Henrv Campbell Bantierman, had been as great a cham- pion of the War Office in th s juncture as any other man. In thirf matter the bench men, minis- ters and ex-ministers, weae not entitled to that subservience and loyalty ia this non-party question under the grave circumstances that he bad enumer. ated The country had been placed in serious peril by that underating of the Boer forces and the in- adequate precautions taken to meet them. What he always maintained "j<as this Why should the VOLUNTEERS AXD YEOMANRY and certain ochers of our fellow-couctrym >n be treated better than Or ordinary soldiers ?" Many of the regulars had not the benefit of those relief subscriptions, Balaclava helmets, and such things. He held that the Government should provide for all. It was the duty of the country when our soldiers went out to risk their lives for us to do the best we could for them. The gallant Colonel then proposed the health of the" Montgomeryshire District I.O.O.F." and in doing so said he agreed with the Graud Master in his views on Old Age Pensions (cheers). He Oungratulated the district for having added so mauy members during the year (cheers). After Bro. J Oliver had responded, Bro. C W Norton proposed the health of the Chairman, Bro. Ellison." He said that as there were some strangers there he should like to tell them that the chairman was a man they did not meet every day. He was a past Grand Master of the Oddfellows fwd Druids and also Past Master of the Freemasons Lodge in Newtown (cheers). Mr Ellison held those offices and had done credit t > himself and given satisfaction to the societies. They, especially the Oddfellows, knew what he had done for Oddfellowship. Whatever he took in hand he did it thoroughly. As a townsman he had occupied the highest position that a. townsman could as regards municipal matters. He had- not been exactly their mayor, because they did not have one, but he kad been chairman of the Local Board, and if each citizen had worked as un- selfishly as he had for his town Newtown Vio'lld be a more up-to-date town than it was at present THE SMOKING CONCEIT. Afterwards a grand smoking concert was held when the following programme was gone through Chorus, The soldiers' chorus," Cambrian Male Voice Party song, "Odd-fellows," Mr G;\1 Evans, (encored); song, Death of Nelson," Mr D Davies (encored); harp solo, marches descriptive (band at a distance) Mr Albert Roberts (encored); duet "Love and War," Mr D Davies and Mr G M Evans- recitation, My Uncle," Mr F P Keay; duet, The two patrols," Messrs Cleeton and Jones; song, "The Old Brigade," Mr Stewart Humphreys (encored); song and chorns, "Jaek Tar," Mr Cleeton a.nd Cambrian Male Voice Party chorus, Comrades in arms," Cambrian Male Voice Party; comic song, His little wife was with him all the time," Mr C M Benbow (encored); song, Mona," Mr E Cleeton (encored) song, Land of the harp," Mr D Davies (encored) cornet solo, I La Belle France," Mr J E Morris comic song, Dandy coloured coon," Mr F P Keay (encored); song," Comrades still," Mr Cyrus Owen; "God save the Qaeeu." The Grand Master gave a song at the interval which was much appreciated. Mr J Johnson was the accompanist. During the dinner, and subsequently, Mr Arthur Roberta rendered selections of Welsh airs.

GLOBE FURNISHING* m C0MPANY) 12 TO 13j PEMBROKE PLACE, LIVERPOOL. FURNISH FOR CASH, OR ON OUR SPECIAL HIRE-PURCHASE SYSTEM AT CASH PRICES. NOTE. Our Hire-Purchase System is entirely dif- ferent from any other, and has been highly commended, by the whole of the local Press. NO SECURITY REQUIRED. NO EXTRA EXPKNSKS O OJR HIRE-PURCHASE SYSTEM. The fair and equitable manner in which our business is carried on, and our reasonable terms, and /0, prices are F;O w,;¡ known throughout the North of Eng'ard and Wales as to render further comment unnecessary. RP E R M S — WE GIVE OUR CUSTOMERS THE PRIVI- i/LGK Of RRANCING THEIR OWN TliRMS OP PAYMENT- AS THEY KNOW BttST THE AMOUNT THE Y CAN COVENlNTLY AFFORD TO PAY E^Cd WEEK OR .MONTH. ALL GOODS WE SELL ARE DELIVERED FREE TO ANY PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. Private Vans if required, no charge will bo made. An inspection of our stock will at once satisfy nt ending p.:r«hasef» that we give better v<*lue tiiuQ am other bouse furnishers on tho hire-purchase ILI LIle, FURNISH MIR CASH, OR ON OUR HIRE. PURCHASE SiSTE41 AT CASH PRICES. Our Prospectus, Large Illastrated Catalogue, Press Opinions and Price List sent Post Free on a ppiication. DLORK FURNISHING V V COMPANY, a-2 TO. 18, PEMBROKE PLACE, LIVERPOOL. (J. R. GRANT, Proprietor), Business hoars: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, a.m. to 6 p.m

PRE AO HE RS FOR- TO-MORROW. NOTE.—Information fo • LI,:S 1'SI is invited. It ig S'll ill evei-v Wj)eLl ic', *,g to us. AKS* V<VYT" — S.S. at,d All Angels' "av'sj't 0- •.»> c!-». i 1. 8. »•». and 6.30 p.m. fcl. Mary's (We *■), 11 t a-d 6.30 p.m. Trinity Cnt'.O" tiuufvav SLalioi), 1.1 a.m., and 6.i0 p.m. i'e^j.erian Cimrcb. Latli street, 11 a.m. and 6 F.«gfish Church, 6 p.m. Siii'oh Chape', 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. N kVv'.v'O'.va'L''),ni! wo^a'a.']', 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All 1 L ;1,ill. and 6.30 p.m. English Cal. vMiistio Methodist. Crescent, 10.30a.m. 6 p.m. Primitive Methodisi, Park Street, 10.30 and 6 p.r». English Congregational, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.,ilev J Hugh Edwards. WesleKati, 10.30 a.m. z, 7 and 6prn., Rev J Davies. Baptist,- 10.30 a.m. and: 6 p.m., Rev T E Williams. MONTGOMERY —St Nicholas, 11 a.m., and 6.30 I' l' 1, 1 p.m., tv L V. B.'owo. rYt^byterian, j U .:J..lll.. and 6 P,nJ vVesleyaa It a,ln., and 6 p.m. Baptist, 10.30 a.m. and 6 Rev C P Thomas.. CuOKCii.sTOKC.— Wesieyan Chn.'fch, 10-30 a.m., and 6-0 p.m., Rev J Goodrich Oals. (Welsh) nud 6.30 p.m. Wesleyan, 10.30 a.m., and 6.15 p.m., Mr Bright. GARTHMYL. — Providence, 10,30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m., Mr Carter. WKLSHPOOL. Wesleyan, 10.30 a.m., and 6..30 p.m., Rev J Tesseymati. Presbyterian, 10.30 and 6.30 p.m., Rev T C Jones. Congrega- tional Church, 11 a.m., and C>30 p.m., Rev D B Evans. Baptist, 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., Rev T Rowson, pastor. Primitive Methodist, 11 a.rr and 6-30 p.m., Rev D Sheen. Welsh Independent, High Street, 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m., Rev D Morgan. MI?>!>LKTO\VN.— Wesleyan Church, 10-30 a.m., and 6-30 p.m., Mr Powell. DEEP CL'TTING (Pool (,tJay). WeRley.an, 2.30- p.m. aud 6.30 p.m., Mr J Jones, Welshpool. LLANYMYNKCH. Presbyterian Church, 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. OSWESTRy,-St Oswald's, 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.. Holy Trinity, 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The School Chlpcl, Upper Brook Street, 11- a.m. and 6.30 p.m. English Baptist, Salop, road, 10.45 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., Rov Malcolm Thomson. Presbyterian, Oswald road, 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m., Rev E J Williams, Rutldn, Seion Chapel, 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m., Rev John Evans, Llaufair Caer-iinion. Welsh Wesleyan Methodist, 10.45 a,m and 6.30p.m. Hermon Chapel, 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. Christ Church, 10.45 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. St, David's Welsh Church, 11 a.m., and 6 p.m. Aloriah Chapel. English Wesleyan, 10.45 a.m. aud 6.30 p.m.

-——— PERSONAL. Mrs Wynne Corrie of Park Hall is appealing for the sum of £;;0 to equip a bed in the Yeomanry Field Hospital, to be called after the town of Os westry. The Earl of Powis had a very sucesifl-tl day's sport for his second shoot over the Lymore covert, on Wednesday, 17th, and the splsnded bag brought down, reflects the greatest cred'it upon the head keeper, Mr Henry Railey. The bag was as follows Hares, 6; rabbits, 14 pheasant cocks, 32,0 phea- sant hens, 352 partridges, 3; total, 695. The par- ty of g-uns were as follows The Earl of Powis, Sir Walter Corbett, Hon. -DoNviiey, Colonel Coates, Atr Cholinonciley, and Mr Harry Wilson.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS. JANUARY. 21 Collections at Christ Church, Welshpool. in Aid of the War Fund, 23, 23 A 2^, Frank Lloyd and Sons' Horse Sales at Wrexham, 23 & 24, Great Grama On the Frontier" at the Public Hall, Newtown, 24 Sale of Leasehold Property at the Lion Royal Hotel, Aberystwyth, by Mr J E James, 24 Sale of property at the Mart, Token-house Yard, E C., by Messrs Robins, Gore, & Mercer, 25 Sale of House Furniture an 44, Bank Buildings, Salop Road, Welshpool, by Messrs Hickman, and Son,. 2G Annual Meeting of the Nursing Institute in the Art Gallery, Welshpool, 26 Annual Meeting of Oswestry District Con.. servative Club, 27 Christmas Pantomime "Sinbad the Sailor" at the Public Hall, Newtown, 31 The Royal Welsh Male Choir (Treorky) at Public Hall, Newtown. FEBRUARY. 7 Llanidloes District Ploughing Matches, 15 Trewern Annual Dance, 22 Montgomery Cricket Club Annual Dance.

BIETJLS, MA Rill AGES I DEATHS DEATHS. FARMER—On January 15th, at Nelson Place, Welshpool, Edward Farmer, aged 91. GAMBLE.—On January 11th, at 9, Powell's Lane, Welshpool, Charles Pryce, son of Charles Gamble, aged 2 months. GOOLDKN. — On January 13th, at the Moat, Gails. field, Christiana Goolden, aged 75 yearp. HUMPHREYS. On January 17th, at Cambrian House, Llanfair Caereinion, Margaret, the beloved wife of J Lloyd Humphreys, aged 71. No cards. MORRIS.—On January 18th, at Glanhafren, Welsh- pool, Jane, the widow of the late Edward Morris, formerly of Giifach, Kerry. MORGAN.—On January 18t,h, at Raven Squire, Welshpool, Mary Jane, daughter of David William Morgan, aged 1 month. MOORE. — On January 15th, at Brithdir, Berriew, Florence Dorothy Joyce Keirby, the dearly loved daughter of Edwin Harold and Harries Moore, Feliudre, Berriew, aged 3 months. OWEx.-On January 3rd, John, son of Nathaniel and Jane Owen, 22, Park Street, Newtown, late of Moelddiwyd, Llanfihangel, aged 22. POItTER.-Oll January 16th, at Welshpool, Rosa Porter, widow of the Rev. Frederick Porter late Vicar of Yeddingham and Knapton, Yorkshire. PHILLIPS.—On January 7th, at Tanllan, Castle- Caereiniou, nr. Welshpool, David Phillips, aged 64 THOMAS.—On January 9th, at 30, Mount Street, Welshpool, Ann Thomas, aged 85. WILLIAMS.—On January 13th, at 27, Mill Place, Welshpool, William Williams, at^ed #4. Printed and published by SAMUEL SALTER and DAVID ROWLANDS, at their Printing Office, 21, Berriew Street, Welshpool, in the County of Montgomery. Also published by J. DENLEY SPENCKR, at their Branch Office, Chalybeate St., Aberystwyth, in the County of Cardigan. January, 23th 1900.