The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

CONSCRIPT OR VOLUNTEER. A few months ago, very thoughtful peo- ple looked forward to conscription as inevitable in this country, It was thought that a great war would hasten the event. The great war has come and has brought disasters with it, proving to demonstration that our standing army is too small, but— it is the unexpected that always happens— conscription is further off than ever. The response of the country to the call to arms has been magnificent. The ancient war-like spirit is not dead. To reinforce our small Tegular army the Militia have come forward by battalions, the Yeomanry and Volunteers have offered themselves by the thousand civilians, whom the drudgery of drill in peace time never attracted, have been eager to see active service; the Colonies liaverallied to the cry, and it has been possible to put an army of some 200,000 men into the field— all Volunteers in the sense that they have chosen of their free will to join the Army. It is this great triumph of the voluntary system that has put conscription in the background. Now no one loves conscription for its own sake, and those who advocated it as necessary will when they see » way out, rejoice along w"1 t,'°.se ;n ao" much tliai they could not admit i s necessity A special meaning has come to beattaehed to the word "Volunteer and yet the old significance of the word lingers about it so that we are apt to forget that our regular army is an army The difference between tlie reguLv soldici tad the volunteer is that the former is paid to give bis whole time, and where and does anything, 1 home gives his service gratuitously for home defence. The regular s°l<ta grvts servicer, voluntarily jus. as much as the volunteer. There never has been any suggestion of making service m the xeyxxhn army compulsory. Compulsory service if it came about at all would apply to the Militia, the force that stan s i •< between the regulars and t 16 \° U+n'' Every county is under an obligation to provide a certain number of nil ia', for many years the obligation lias no enforced and as a matter of fact ie i < force is greatly under its establishment. To raise the Militia to its full strength by means of the ballot is what is meant in conscription. But the Government and the countiy realise that there must be a great and permanent increase in our defensive forces, and the Marquis of LANSDOWNE in the I House of Lords and Mr WYXDHAM in the House of Commons on Monday -stated the proposals of the Government. The proposals with regard to the regular army niiiv conveniently be taken first. The aim is to provide a field army of 130,000 men- not an extravagent number when it has been found necessary to send 200,000 to South Africa against two small republics. o It has therefore been considered necessary to add twelre new line battalions of Infan- try, thirty-six batteries of Field Artillery, and seven batteries of Horse Artillery, and four regiments of Cavalry. There will also be increases to the Royal Engineers and Army Service Corps. This means a per- manent increase of over 20,000 men to the army. Coming now to the auxiliary forces, we find that it is hoped by modifying some of the rules, and making extra allowances to render service in the Militia more attrac- tive, and thus to raise it to its full estab- lishment below which it has sunk by 30,000. Tlie changes in the Yeomanry force are very lightly touched on. It is a force naturally somewhat jealous of its status and it will be satifactory for them to know that their susceptibilities will be tenderly dealt wiih. They will be raised to their full establish- ment, and the events of the was will lead to their importance being morefully recognised in the future than it has been in the past. It is to the proposals with regard to the n Volunteers, however, that popular attention is most strongly drawn. In Montgomery- shire and in Merioneth the question has a special interest. Anticipating the country's need, Colonel PRYCE-JONES, M.P., raised the otli Volunteer Battalion South AVales Borderers, which has already sent out a contingent to the seat of war. On Wednes- day they embarked at Southampton, and the good wishes of their comrades and of the whole population of the counties go with them. The 5th Battalion was raised at a time when the Government and the War Office were not so pliable as they are likely to be in the future. The Volunteers are no longer under the necessity of pleading for recognition as they have done in the past. The proposals in brief are these. The Volunteer force is at present 43.000 men beneath their establishment. To fill up their ranks each battalion is to be allowed to recruit up to its full strength of 1,000 men, and where recruits still come forward a second battalion may be formed, probably of smaller dimensions. The advantages of mounted infantry have been made very evident during this war, and the Volunteers are to be allowed to equip and organise companies of mounted infantry for which special grants will be paid. It is wisely pointed out that this will be done in such a way as not to interfere with the recruiting areas of the Yeomanry corps. The question of ranges is to be dealt with in such a way that may or may not turn out to be satisfactory. Local effort, it would seem, will still be called for in considerable measure we should have been better pleased if the Government had decided to undertake the responsibility of wholly providing ranges. As it is, sub- ventions are to be granted to corps that have not suitable range accommodation. Volunteers will'be provided with their own transport so that they will become as mobile as the regulars, and the artillery Volunteers are to be provided with modern guns to replace the guns of obsolete pattern which have been a danger and a disgrace t"'l t'; to the country. All this does not mean that Volunteering will be easier for the Volunteer, but rather the opposite. The changes will require more arduous exertions and the exercise of much self denial from the citizen soldiers, but they will no longer be under a cloud, and when a coips is appreciated by the country at large and also by its county, it will work n more cheerfully and strive 'more earnestly after efficiency. One proposal we approach with very great hesitation. It is that Volunteers should spend a month every year under canvas. We do not doubt that Volunteers would gladly give their services for a month if it were practicable for them to leave their civil employment for that length of time. But how is the work of the country to be carried on in such conditions ? Families must be fed and work must be done in order that wages may be earned. The scheme is not fully expounded, and we must wait for a fuH explanation before condemning- or approv- ing, but this certainly seems the greatest difficulty in the proposals. It is satisfactory to learn that opportunities will be given to officers to make themselves thoroughly efficient without involving any drain on their private purses. The Government proposals mark a new departure in the treatment of the Yeomanry and Volunteers. The re-organisation of the Army has yet to come, but for the Auxiliary Forces a new era is opening, and it will be for every individual and for every county to do its best to make the changes easy of accom- plishment a ad effective. No one can be sure that the time is not near when the Volunteers will be embodied for the defence of our own shores. To make them thoroughly efficient is the best way to prevent the danger of invasion.

—. NOTES BY THE WAY. The most important business of the Welshpool Town Council on Thursday was the sanctioning of the loan of zC4,000 to the Llanfair Light Railway Company. Mr Addie made a statement concerning the negotiations which had been going on for the past three years, and which, after many difficulties, had been surmounted, resulting in the adaption of the Welshpool scheme by the Light Railway Com- missioners, and satisfactory arrangements being arrived at for the construction and working- of tho line by the Cambrian Railways Company. Mr Roper's motion at the Forden Board of Guardians, proposing the division of the parish of Welshpool for the purposes of the election of Guardians, and which was relegated by the Guar- dians to the Town Council, was referred to the Finance Committee for investigation. During the week Mr Marchant Williams, on be- half of the Charity Commissioners, has been hold- ing inquiries into the charities of several parishes in tbe county, and in some cases very interesting information is brought to publicity, -it Llandvailio a somewhat peculiar bequest was mentioned whereby £ 2C0 had been left to be invested for tho maintenance of a minister in Clinch of England when the Church of Wales was disestab- lished. As tho disostabhVhnK'nt of the Church 321 Wales appear,to bo at, n very remote distance the parish's participation in the benefits derivable from the bequest is equally remote. # The difficulty that has arisen in connection with many charities throughout the country appears in connection with the Deytheur School—the charity is inadequate for the purpose intended. Times have changed since a school master was passing rich, 011 twenty pounds a year." The Rev Dowell Lee,' the headmaster of Deythur, teems to have from the endowment not much more than that, when he has paid all the expenses connected with the building. It has been found impossible to carry on the school strictly in accordance with the deed, and in minor matters divergencies have had to be allowed, but the essential character of the school as a Grammar School has been maintained, and it has under its able headmaster attained a high place among the secondary schools of the e(luntry. There haves been rumours and unsub- stantiated statements affecting the management of the school, which appears to have been carried on in the best way possible in diffioult circumstances. A scheme will now be put forward by the Charity Commissioners which we do not attempt to anticipate, but which it is to be hoped will maintain and promote the high character of an interesting and ancient educational institution. The Welshpool Charity of £312 10, stated last week to have been bequeathed by Lady Harriet fierbei t, it may be as well to state, was the aggregato amount of subscriptions by numerous persons with tke object of testifying their high opinion and perpetuating the memory of the esti- mable qualities" of that lady. The late Mrs Howell, of Rhiewport, was principally concerned in its formation. The 17 10s was money in the bands of the churchwardens, and C180 was added under the will of Miss Charlotte Clive, making altogether the sum of 1500. General dissatisfaction seems to be felt through- out the county at the appointment of a man outside the county force to be Deputy Chief Constable of Montgomeryshire, and letters protesting against the appointment have been sent for insertion in the the COUNTY TIMES. The appointment is in the hands of the Chief Constable who is responsible for the efficiency of the force, and who, no doubt, made the best appointment he could for the satisfactory carrying out of the duties of the force; but it might have been expected that there would be at least one man in the force eligible for the subordinate position. If there are any, the present appointment must cer- tainly be a discouragement to them, and if there are not, the force must be in a very bad state. The follqwing paragraph appeared in the Man- chester Guardian for yesterday, under the heading of "Welsh Notes from Westminster Colonel Pryce-Jones, the member for the Montgomery Boroughs, brought his volunteering experience to bear on the debate this evening, and submitted, as I heard Mr George Wyndham acknowledge, a num- ber of valuable practical suggestions.' His speech was directed to the defects of the Government scheme with respect to the Volunteers. The in- vitation to a month's training could'not possibly be a practical success. The men, whilst willing to give their leisure, could not afford to give their working time, and the richest nation in the world ought not to ask it of them. lie strongly advocated an in- crease of the capitation grant, and he was in favour of putting the Ballot Act into operation. The professional neatness of the gallant member's speech was a distinct advance on his former efforts in the House of Commons. A natural hesitancy of speech added piquancy to his observations." The newly formed branch of the N.S.P.C.C. for the districts of Oswestry, Montgomeryshire, and Aberystwyth, has now been firmly established, for at a meeting at Oswestry on Saturday, the officers and committees were appointed, though it yet remains for the Montgomeryshire and Aberystwyth districts to appoint a ladies' committee and other committees in their own districts, in order to suc- cessfully carry out this beneficial work. Mr and Mrs Wynne Corrie of Park Hall, take the keenest interest in the work of the Society, and it is mainly due to their efforts that this branch has been formed and a resident inspector appointed. Now that a resident iuepector has been appointed, caes will receive better attention than could have been given when the inspector resided some distance out of this large district. # We commend the particular attention of our readers, if any such there be, who still believe in the union of hearts," and Home RulA for Ire- land, to the following paragraph appearing in Thursday's Globe Mr Michael Davitt, as speci al correspondent at Paris of the Irish World, Mr Patrick Ford's paper at New York, sends the fol- lowing telegram, dated January 29, to that paper. So much reliance is placed in Mr Davitt's accu- racy, also in his choice language, that the telegram is printed in abnormally large type and extends over a width of three columns All France is re- joiciug over the defeat of Braggart Buller, whose report is telegraphed here (Paris.) Five thou- sand (5,000) British troops are killed, wounded, or missing in this last rout of the English. All the Paris papers are in a frenzy of delight. They feel certain that what remains of the British Empire, after the Boers shall have beaten it to its knees, will have to fight Fiance for the insult of Fashoda and England's broken promises respecting Egypt-—DAVITT." Could envenomed malice be deeper, or bite more bitter ? Yet these are the men to whom our Radical friends would hand over an integral portion of the United Kingdom. A correspondent writes :-Anyone who is foolish enough to do any real good work for the cause of temperance in Corris will meet with no support, and no encouragement whatever from those who cry the loudest for it. People who advocate tern. perance the most in this village r.re the very ones who give it no support whatever, and what is more still, they will actually do all they can to hinder the cause. It is a well-known fact that temper- ance is played out in this neighbourhood, and the reason is not very hard to seek for those who know the apathy of its leaders. # The weather soon will permit cycling, and cyclists generally will be indulging in runs after business hours and especially on the half holidays. Amongst the many clubs at Oswestry, cycling is not repres- ented, yet a capital tourist club could be formed out of the many enthusiastic devotees of the wheel, who reside in Oswestry. Cannot an enthusiast give the suggestion life ? Many would be glad to join such a club and participate in the many delightful runs which such a club could enjoy in this district. The roads, in fine weather, are good and there are many places of interest within an easy run from Oswestry.

« YEOMANRY AND VOLUNTEER NOTES. The Imperial Yeomanry left Welshpool and New- town on Monday and Tuesday last for Wynnstayi where they will spend the remainder of the time before embarkation in Training. This generous act reca.istomindthe time when Sir Watkin entertained at Wynnstay, the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry some eight or ten years ago. There are but few of our county seats which could accommodate snch a number of men and horses, and perhaps fewer of our wealthy landowners who would show such princely entertainment. It is such acts as these in the past, which have made the name of Sir Watkin a household word throughout Wales. A fitting reception was given the two Companies on their arrival at Oswestry on Monday and Tuesday. The mounted men rode all the way from Welshpool, whilst the footmen travelled by rail as far as Llynclys, where they detrained and walked the fonr miles to Oswestry-not by any means a pleasant jub owing to the depth of the snow on the ground. Outside Oswestry they were met by the Volunteer Band on both days and played through the thickly lined and decorated streets to the Powip Hall, where the men partook of the hospitality of the Mayor and Corporation. The greatest enthusiasm was displayed by the inhabitants and the reception I of the Imperial Yeomanry was indeed warm and much appreciated by officers and men. The send- off at the Great Western station was moat enthusi- astic; the band phyed patriotic airs, and the im- mense crowd cheered heartily. The general opinion was that they were a smart body of men. 011 Tuesday considerable interest was centred in the quick-tiring gun which accompanied the men. Iu addition to the^ olunteerswho received tobacco pouches and tobacco from the R.W.W., as announ- ced in last week's issue, two more who were employed at the R.W.W., namely, Bugler Cleetou and Private A Rees, also received the gifts sub- scribed for by their fellow-employes. On Sunday several Volunteers went to Brecon from Newtown to have a last farewell with their comrades now on their way to the fi-o!it. The members of the Oswestry Volunteers who have volunteered for active service were enter- tained to a public dinner at Oswestry, on Tuesday night. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed when the toasts of the guests were proposed. The men have soon settled down in the comfort- able quarters at Wynnstay. Though the weather has been most unfavourable since their arrival they have fared very well and all seem contented and happy. One hundred and sixteen of A Company are billeted in the stables, which have been eomfortablv converted for the purpose, and of B Company 60 i are at Wynnstay and 60 at Belan, the 134 horses being equally distributed between Wynnstay and the farm in the Park, the stables being lofty and oommodious. *#* All of the men partake of meals together in a large room in the house, where all the cooking also is done. There is a canteen in charge of Sergt- Major Jestico. The mental welfare of the men is also catered for in the provision of a recreation room, where newspapers mav be seen, and the billiard tables are placed at their disposal, all of which are well patronised and appreciated by them. Owing to the severe weather drills have not been held, but the gun section in charge of Lieut. Hutton, which, by the way, is quartered at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, was able to go out for drill yesterday. Dr. Lawton Roberts has charge of the medical department, and the veterinary duties are dis- charged by Vet.-Surgeon Bate of Ellesmere, who will accompany the troops to South Africa, when they will proceed thither. All the men and horses are in a good state of health up to the present.

♦-— WELSHPOOL. IF yoa want the best cakes and pastry, call at Wat- son's, 5, Hall street, where you will fiud all kinds of Swiss, continental, and fancy pastries. Wedding, birthday, and christening cakes, elaborately orna- mented, to order. LAdvt. L IF YOU WANT a good reliable Bicycle at the cheap- est rate go to Thomas J. Evans, ironmonger, and ask for quotations. Old machines taken as part pay- ment. L-,idies' and Gent's Bicycles for hire. [Advt. A USEFUL ARTICLE.—Humphrey Jones and Son are selling first-class Mincing Machines from 6s. -9, Hall street,. [Advt. SUCCESS. — In the Pass list of the London Matriculation Examination, January, 1900, appears the name of Aida Sybil Hutchins (daughter of Mr G A Hutchins), County School for Girls, Welshpool. WELSH JUNIOR CUP.-St George's United and Wrexham Victoria having been drawn together in the semi-final of the Welsh Junior Cup, the Welsh Association have ordered the match to be played at Welshpool on March 3rd. Welshpool also stand a good chance of having the final of the Welsh Senior Cup played on their ground. WESLEY GUILD.-At the weekly session of this Guild, held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Wed- nesday evening, a very ai)le paper on Evolution was read by Mr Alfred Davies of Arddleen. A dis- cussion followed in which Messrs E C Bishop, E G Highfield, W W James, and T A Basnett, took part. There was a good attendance. DEATH OF MR SAMUEL POWELL.—111 the person of Mr Samuel Powell, who died on Thursday at, his residence, Ivy House, there passed away one who has been, in his time, a conspicuous figure in the public life of our town. Mr Powell, who was born on the 9th of November, 1816, was a man of extra- ordinary vitality, as is evidenced by the fact that, up to a short time ago, he was often seen on the Bench, carrying out his duties of J.P. for the Borough of Pool and for the county of Montgomery. He was a staunch Liberal in politics. Five sons ana one daughter survive him. The funeral, which will be private, will take place on Monday at St. Mary's Church. IVF.I)I)ING.-Tlle marriage of Miss Isabel,a Thomas, second daughter of Mr P 1 bourns, Church Bank, to Mr T Jones, son of Mr Jones, Cwmdu, Llanidloes, was solemnized at St Mary's Church, on Wednesday. The officiating clergyman was the Vicar (Rev D G Davis). The bridesmaids were Miss B Thomas, (sister of the bride) and Miss M Jones, (sister of the bridegroom), whilst the best man was Mr Shone of Llanidloes. The happy couple left by the 11-35 train en route for Cardiff, where the honeymoon will be spent. Numerous and costly presents were received. WESLEYAN CHURCH.—The annual prize dis- tribution in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School took place on Sunday afternoon. The Rev J Tesseyman presided, and Mrs Tesseyman pre- sented the prizes. The Secretary (Mr J H Twist) read the annual report, which shewed an increase in the number of scholars on the previous year. The school was opened on 3 Sundays, and 13 scholars had not missed a Sunday nor been late, and these received first grade prizes, the names being as follows:—Sarah J Harris, Edith G Harris, Maggie Francis, Jennie Francis, Mary Ann Jones, May Williams, Sidney Davies, Ellis Foulkes, Richard Williams, Albert Williams, Leonard Lewis, Charlie Lewis, and Minnie Lewis. Over 50 prizes were given. Short addresses were delivered by the Rev J Tesseyman and Mrs Tesseynpan, a solo by Miss Edith Morris, and recitations by Maggie Jones, Emily Ann Davies, David Wood, and Percy Evans. Miss James presided at the organ.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR, WHY THE BRITISH MUST CONQUER." On Thursday, in the Church House,Welshpool the Rev J Idrisyn Jones, delivered a highly interesting address on the above snbject. The Vicar (the Rev D Grimaldi Davis) presided over a small attend- ance, which would undoubtedly have been larger had the weather been more favourable. In his opening remarks the Chairman said he believed they were all truly sorry that the present great struggle was going on, but he thought we, as a nation, had done our utmost to settle matters with- out resorting to the arbitrament of war. At the 'last, however, whatever our former mistakes might have been in diplomacy, the Boeis had taken the matter completely out of our hands by invading the Queen's dominions, and by sending a very insulting Ultimatum toour people. Therefore we had no option whatever but to, in self defence, send out soldiers to defend our territories and our brethren in that distant land. It had been said by people well able to judge that this was the greatest war we had been involved in since the time of the Crimean War; but there was something amidst it all npon which it was very delightful to dwell upon, and that was themarvellous powers and resources of the British Empire. He supposed that no other na- tion in the world would be able to send so far such a large number of soldiers with their imfedimenta. In all the history of the world they would never ti lId another Nation that had been able to send 200,000 men so far from its base, and he was sure they were all proud of being members of such a magmficie :t Empire with such powerful resources at its ba. K. The war commenced, and these had produced good deal of adverse criticism, but it had been v. ;i said that when a man failed at everything else could always fall back on the profession [ a critic. For his own part, be thought our generals and soldiers were doing their level best for the old flag and for Queen and country in South Africa (Applause). Our men had to traverse vast tracts of hilly and mountainous country and they had to contend against men as brave as themselves aud who were, moreover, admirably entrenched. We were fighting not with any bigoted feeling but fur principles that were dear to all white men in South Africa. The principles of liberty, equality and freternity, and we were also fighting to secure the future tranquility and pros- perity of a vast continent. He introduced Mr J Idrisyu Jones to the company as one who had made a study of the positiou of the British people amongst the other nations of the world (applause). -\1r .1<111"" said he was not there that night to 2"1, in war, but there were times when war might become a righteous t liiinj. Neither was he there t.N,. He wished t<« look at the wllu:" tbinF! not from the standpoint of politicians but frulll the I'talldpuint of patriots (applaiiie). e had been tour months fitrliriiitr and, as the Chairman had said, we had received checks which had made us the object of the -jeeis and mocking of almost aii the hui-openii nations. Some of our own people were actually trembling with the fear that we should have to succumb to the Boers. But their fears were groundless—we should triumph, and he was going to give his reasons for that belief. In the first place, we had not had a great battle yet-only a few slight checks which the Boers had been able to administer owing to their having prepared for the war for the last 10 or 15 years. If need arose we could send out one million men fl-n the empire, and yet peop!e talked of surrendering to these two little Republics. The fact was that our conquering in South Africa was a necessity to the Empire which would otherwise undoubtedly fall asunder. If we lost the nations of Europe would arise against us; they gibed now but their mockery would be trans- formed into action. At all costs the war must be brought to a triumphant conclusion, What were our aims iu this war ? They had been well put by Lord Salisbury who said there were three objects which we had in view. First, the establishment of a good Government in the Transvaal; second,! equal rights for aifmen and, third, the vindication of the Queen's authority. Were not these righteous aims? The history of the Boers was one of rebellion against the British. He did not think society was sufficientlv acquainted with the facts that led up tJ the present struggle. Proceeding, the lecturer gave an iuteres-ting account of the origin and history of the Boers and our transactions with them, and said our long-standing account with the Boers will be only settled by our taking from them | fur ever the chance of raising such a quarrel again. True, we have been repulsed, but a repulse is not a defeat, and oftentimes it is but the preliminary to victory. The rev gentleman concluded his remarks with the following words: "I will give a message to the world, and it is this—We shall conquer, right shall triumph over wrong. The road of the oppres- sor shall be broken. Slavery shall be stamped out, and we shall drive another nail in the coffin of despotism. The world is rolling freedorr's wave and ripening by its sorrow, and where the van- guard camps to-day the rear shall rest to-morrow" (loud applause).— Mr Richard Powell moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Jones for his able lec- ture.—Mr John Jones seconded, and the proposition was carried with acclamation.—Mr Jones suitably responded, and proposed a vote of thanks to t,he Vicar for taking the chair.—Mr A W Jones having I seconded, the gathering dispersed.

BISHOP'S CASTLE. CfrCXTY C 0 UR T—T H V rsdAT. Before His Honour Judge Harris Lea. Re ELIZABETH EDWARDS. In this case the Guardians of Clun Union, for whom Mr C S Pryce. Montgomery, appeared, sought at a recent Court to recover the property of the late Mr Richard Groves, of Clun, on account of Elizabeth Edwards. an inmate of Bicton Asylum, maintained at the expense of the Clun Union, being the next of kin of the late Mr Groves. The case was then adjourned for administration to be taken out, and Mr Pryce now applied for a further adjournment on account of extra affidavits being required by the Probate Authorities in view of the peculiar circumstances of the case.-The Judge made the order asked for. BETWEEN TWO STOOLS.— Mr Gittoes, coal mer- chant, Broom, sought to recover 13s 7d from the L. & N W Railway Co., being an amount alleged to have been paid to them by him twice over. It appeared that plaintiff obtained coal from a oolliery at Hanwood and he contended that for one consign- ment he paid carriage both tc the Railway Company and the Colliery. Plaintiff produced receipts bearing out his contention. Mr Thorne, of Euston, whore- presented the Railway Company, produced the monthly traffic accounts of the Company and it was shown that the Colliery Company had sent the plaintiff an intimation that he would have to pay the earriag«> on the coal, and that he had done so, while lie had ilso paid the Colliery Company. His Honour said it was quite clear that Mr Gittoes had I paid the 13s 7d twice over, and that the party res- ponsible was the Colliery Company who had ad vised him to pay the carriage. A verdict was accordingly given for the defendants with costs. NOTHING LIKE LEATHER.—Herman Lewis, saddler. Bishop's Castle, sued Mr Gittoes of Broome, plaintiff in the last case for 7s repairs done to tra- ces. Defendant contended that the charge was excessive and said that he had similar repairs done at Clun for Is 6d, and could get a new pair of tra- ces from a wholesale house for 10s. There was a conflict of evidences as to the quality of the repairs, and much amusement was caused by the case. A verdict was eventnaly given for the plaintiff. A BIG GROCERY BILL.Nirs Ann Brunt, of Kempton, L3-dbury North, grocer, sued Thos. Rudge of the same place, labourer, for £ 26 7s. for groceries supplied. Mr C S Pryce, Montgomery, appeared for plaintiff and Mr E Griffiths, Bishop's Castle, for the defendant. After Mr Pryce had stated the facts of the case, His Houour said it seemed to him to be a very complicated question of accounts. Mr Pryce suggested that the case should be referred to the Registrar, to this Mr Griffiths agreed, and the Judge ordered a reference accordingly but severely criticised the plaintiff for allowing such a large debt to accumulate against a labouring man.

LLANIDLOES. GLANYKAFON 'LTARRIE]iS.' Tiie annual hunt will take place at Llanidloes in the tirst week in March, when the hounds will meet at the Lion Hotel, i where the annual dinner will be held, as usual, in the evening. ACCIDEXT.-Oll Friday, while David Evans, a farm servant at Dolwen, was cutting hay from a stack, the ladder upon which he stood gave wav, and be was thrown to the ground, his left arm being broken in the fall. He was attended bv Dr J Vaughan Owen. DEATH.— VVe regret to record the death of'%I r John Jones, butcher, Great Oak street, which took place on Friday JIISt after a short but severe ill- ness at the early age of 3) years. The funeral took place on Tuesday at the Dolhafreu Cemetery, and was largely attended by the townspeople and others. The officiating minister was the Rev A C Pearce. The deceased leaves a widow and two children. OBITUARY.—On Friday last there passed away one of the oldest and most respected inhabitants of Llanidloes, Mr Richard Davies, of Prospect House, Smithfield street. Mr Davies was in his 92nd year and up to his death was hale and hearty. By trade lie was a master smith, and for a great number of years carried on business on the Upper Green. The deceased had vivid recollections of the Chartist outbreak in 1839 and was one of the special constables enrolled to assist in quelling the distur- banoes. He also often recalled incidents in the battle of Waterloo, and was for 12 years a member of the old Montgomeryshire Yeomanry. The remains were interred in the Parish Church yard oil Thursday, and despite the very inclement weather there was a good number present. The Rev W D Roberts, M.A. (curate), officiated.

MACHYNLLETH. To-DAY's TEAM. The following have hee-i selected to play to-day against Aberystwyth University College at Aberystwyth:-Go:tl, D A Morgan backa, 0 Morris and W Evans; half- backs, W Williams, Dick Humphreys, J Edwards forwards, Edwards, Hughes, Humphreys, Williams, and Holt. PARISH CHURCH.— Special Services were held in this Church on Sunday, and a form of prayer of intercession on behalf or Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa, was used. This special service con- sisted of special Litanies, Psalms, lessons, prayers, hymns, etc., and Canon Trevor, preached special sermons during the day. The Rev D T Hughes, intoned the services. Canon Trevor took as his text at morning service, Psalm 2, verse 11, Serve the Lord with fear." He said we bdieH that our cause is just. Through the length and breadth of England, there are good men and women now, as there have been before, who lead noble lives and he believed that England would have been a doomed country long ago if it had not been for the fact that side by side with the mass of evil around us there exists so much that is good. There could be no doubt we required to be brought to a just sense of our duties and responsibilities as a nation upon whom God's providence has bestowed the power of attaining almost unlimited wealth to the remotest corners of the earth, and carry with us the seeds of civilisation, and the freedom and liberty of our island home. The interesting sermon was most attentively listened to.

—— ABERYSTWYTH. THE ARTILLERT.-Capt.ain G M liildowney, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, has been appointed Adjutant of the Cardiganshire Artillery in the place of Captain Lushington, whose period of ser- vice has expired, and Supernuermary-Lieutenant G H Oughterson is appointed Lieutenant. SUDDEN DEATH. — The death took place verv suddenly on Monday morning of tLe young s(,n of Mr John Jenkins, locksmith, 1, George Street. There seemed no signs of illness on Sundav, the child taking its meals as usual. Earlv on Monday morning the child had a fit from which it did not recover. WKSLKYAN MISSIONS.—A meeting in connection with the Wesleyan missions was held at the English Wesleyan Chapel on Wednesday evening. The Rpv A Burgess, in the absence of Mr Koberr. j Donghton, presided. The Chairman read extracts from the missionary reports showing the successful work which had been done during tle past aud previous years. The Rev T Lambert, Liverpool, attended as deputation and gave a very interesting address on mission work, in which he himself has had considerable experience. Collections were made towards the mission fund and a hearty vote of thanks was passed, on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Northey, to the depu- tation. SCHOOL BOARD.—The monthly meeting of the School Board took place on Tuesday evening. Alderman Peter Jones presided, and there were also present the Yen. Archdeacon Protheroe. Rev Pre- bendary Williams, Rev T Levi. Messrs W Thomas, and T B Hall, with Mr Roberts, clerk, Mr Saer, headmaster, and Mr Lloyd, attendance officer.- Professor Darlington, Inspector of Schools, had paid a visit to the schools and in an entry in the log b()k drew attention to the temperature of the rooms in the infants' department which stood at 45 degrees and the pipes were scarcely warm. Forty-five per ceut. of the children were absent from school that morning, and the mistress was of opinion that many of them suffered from colds. He strongly urged upon the Board to make the beating apparatus satisfactory without delay.—The matter was referred to the visiting' committee. SALES OF PROPERTY.—On Wednesday Mr J E James, auctioneer, offered for sale at the Talbot Hotel the leasehold residences, Nos 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, Castle terrace. Each house was offered up singly, but the reserve price was not reached and they were withdrawn. After the sale a gentleman made etc offer for the whole lot and in every probability a sale will be effected.—The same dav Mr R K Jenkins, auct.ioner, conducted an important sale of property at the Talbot. The property con- sisted of 39, High street, now occupied by Mr D Doughton, and 27, South road. The raserve price was not reached and the lot had to be withdrawn. DEATH OF A LICENSED VICTUALLER.—The death took place on Wednesday night, of Mr William Evans of the Boar's Head. Deceased, who was 69 years of age, was in his ussal health on Tuesday. He was well known in the town, of which be was a native. Mr Evans was a mining captain. He liyed 40 years in Spain and his career was an eventful and interesting one. He retnrned to this tewn about eight years ago, living at one time in Snow- don House, at which his first wife died. Later be lived at the Boar's Head, and about four years ago he buried his second wife. He leaves two children, one by his first wife—Mr W Lloyd Evans, Wolver- hampton—and a child of four who was born shortly before the death of her mother. TEMPLE OF LOVE LODGE OF ODDFELLOWS.—The annual meeting of the Temple of Love Lodge was held on Friday evening week. P.G. Morgan vre- siding. The secretary (Mr Edward:Erans) pre- sented the balance sheet for the year which showed a balance on the sick aud funeral fund of j £ 1,335 6s 4d, there being a gain to the Lodsre on the year's working of X85 7s lOJd. The amount j paid out in sick payment during the year was £ 48 5s 4d. The balance in the management I fund was 10s Oid, and in the anniversary fand £ 2 13s 8d. Tbe total amount in hand is therefore I £ 1,338 19s OJd, £ 15 18s 8^d of which is in the j Treasurer's hands and the remainder invested. The total number of members on the books was 1 133 as compared with 134 last year. The accounts had been audited by Mr H L Evans wko con- gratuatled the Secretary on the way he kept the books of the Lodge. THE RIFLE CLUB.—A meeting of the committee was held at the Masonic Hall 011 Saturday evening, when there were present — Councillor D C Roberts, in the chair; Dr T D Harries, Mr L Bearne, Mr in the chair; Dr T D Harries, Mr L Bearne, Mr Hugh Hughes (solicitor), Mr Geo Davis (hon. sec- retary).—The Secretary reported that. he had been in communication with the Commissioners at Somerset House relative to the license question. Their local representative bad also called upon him and had been supplied with all the information required.—The following names were added to the target committee Messrs W Phillips, T Rowlands, and J T Jones. This committee is responsible for the rifles banded out to the members as well as the ammunition, and any six members can have target practice by arrangement with the members of the committee.—It was decided that the subscriptions of honorary members should be utilised for the purchase of rifles and ammunition, wnich will be supplied to the members belocost price.— A suir- able site for a range in the vicinity of Pen Dinas was mentioned and a committee appointed to inspect the same. The committee visited the spot on Tuesday afternoon and secured it at a nominal rent of 10s per annum. MEETING OF PAINTERS.—A meeting was beld at the Town Hall, Aberyntwyth, 00 h edfJes, lay. by painters and employers for the purpose of discussing the advance of one penny per hour claimed by the men also to oonsider the best means to p-oteet the trade both on behalf of employers as well as the men. The ohief feature argned in the men's protec- tion was the fact that labourers are emploved in establishments in the bUli) season to do painters' work.-On the manters' part no objection wa* mnd« to the advance, but they pointed out different matters detreniental to their success.—On the pro- position of Councillor R Peake, seconded bv one )f the men, it was unanimously (it, -i(i(-d to select nn executive committee to draw our rules and suhirit the same to a general committee to uiee: on Wed- nesday, at the same place.—Those appointed to represent the masters were, Messrs Peake, Morgan, J Edwards, and Watkins. To represent the men, Iessrs J Thomas, H Hughes, Morris, Jones, and Evans.

ABERYSTWYTH AND DISTRICT LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASSOCIATON. This erent took place at the Lion Hotel on Thurs- day evening, when, in the absence of Alderman David Roberts (The Brewery, Trefechan), Mr Geo Fossett Roberts presided. He was supported by Councillor R Peake, Mr T A Sergeant, Mr Ben Wemyss, Mr E Santall, and Mr Charles Massey. The vice-chair was taken by Mr Thomas Griffiths, J.P., who was supported by Mr A J Hughes (town clerk), Conneillor T E Salmon, ic There were also present Messrs G H Fisk (Prestatyn), A Robertson, E Hindley, J Parrish, John Richards (Blae Bell), E Price, D C M Reeves. T E Davies, W H Hollier, W Thomas (painter), T Hopkins (builder), John Banford (inspector), S Glithero. M Morgan, D D Thomas, John Phillip*, W R Richards, j J Salmou, D Pughe, H Lewis, Frank Fear, C Parrv, and John Williams.-An excellent recast was pnt on the tables by Mr aud Mrs Rufus Nyl iams.-The Chairman gave the toast of The Queen and the Rest of the Royal Family." At no time ia tbe history of the country had greater loyalty been shown towards Her Gracious Majesty the Queen (cheers). From all quarters of the globe they heard of enthusiasm and loyalty shown towards the Throne (hear, bear).-The toast was received with musical honours.—The Chairman apologised for the absence of his father who was unable in his present state of health to face the stress of the weather. He, however, wished him to say that he hoped they would have a pleasant and successful evening.— Other letters and telegrams of apologies were received from Mr D M Davies (vice-chairman), Mr Taliesin Morgan (district secretary of the National Defence Fund), the Mayor of Aberneron,'Councillor C M Williams (mayor of Aberystwyth), Mr Howell Evans (chief constable), and Mr Percy Lobb.— Selection of Welsh airs on the piano, Mr G H Fisk. The toast of the Navy, Army aud Reserve Forces" was given by Mr A J Hughes, town clerk. Mr Hughes said that the toast was one wljj"h was always received with the greatest cordiality, and on the present occasion be felt that it would be re- ceived with extra cordiality (bear, hear). They would all bear him out in one thing, that never in the annals of history had the navy and army of England stood at the position it stood that day (cheers). It bad been the admiration of the worla. They had bad their reverses and mishaps, they had bad bad luck, but their men bad never flinched (cheers). In the signs of the times they saw that there was a different feeling extended to the British soldier, ani it must be attributed to the fact that the whole wor.d saw that Englishmen did not know when they were beaten (cheers). That was not the ribouient-it would be unbecoming—to refer to what they may call the comparative small success of which they had read that day. He was, how- ever, one of those who, when times looked dark, looked forward with confidence to the pluck of the men and the ability of the generals (applause). They, too, should not foiget the Militia aud the Volunteers and the volunteers from the Volunteers (cheers). He would not trouble them with any- thing respecting the local Volunteer movement, but he might say that the movement was full of life. and those who had taken the matter in kand would gather it through (cheers).—The toast was drunk, and the singing of E.ule Britannia" followed.— Mr Hughes rose and said that he omitted to men- tion the splendid work of the loyal Colonists (cheers).—The health of the Colonics, WHS drunk, and "Auld Lang Syne given on the piatm —Sonar, Sailing," Conncillor Peake piano selection, Airs," Mr Fik.-The Chairman then trave the toast of Success to the Aberystwyth -s f)c: a ti,, | Licensed Victuallers' Association." He said In proposing to yon what I may call toe toast of the evening, Scces to the Abervst w_\ th Licensed Victuallers' Association," I do not int^no to give you the history of the Association, as the gentle- men whose names I shall couple with t -,e toast will give von an account of the work that the Associa- tion has done and is doing. As far as we are con- cerned as a trade, the pastyear will be permanently associated with the reports of the Rovai Commis- sion or: Licensing Laws, and I think the report of the majority, which was signed bv all the neutral members (save Lord Peel) as well "as by the Com. missioners representing the trade, will ensure for us that equitable treatment which is all we ask for (hear, hear). The Commission further has been the means of refuting many attacks which have been made in the past upon the trade—a trade which is carried on under most stringent regula- tions, and whose members constitute a most respectable portion of t'e community (cheers). As this is the only toast in which an opportunity will be given to 11 tall, shop" (if 1 may use the expres- sion). perhaps you will allow nae to drif, still a little further from the toast (applause), During the pa-t vear the prosperity of almost ever;, trade has been shared by the licensing trade indeed, the year 1899 constituted a record year both locally and throughout the country. Our town never had a more sllccessful season than the pas; one, neither has the Chancellor of Exchequer had a better season (laughter). The duties derived from the trade in which we are engaged brought to the Exchequer no less than 342 millions of hear, hear), which is nearly 32 per c?nt of the whole Exchequer receipts. Considering the magnitude of this trade it may be asked why need to have Licensed Victuallers' Associations and similar insti- tutions. Well, merely to protect and defend our interests (hear, hear). That, I takl- it. is the sole object of the Aberystwyth Licensed Victuallers' Association, and nothing is further from its aims than to encourage defiance to the au r hori Lies (hear, hear). I hope you will now join with me in driuk- ing success to the Aberystwyth Licensed Victual- I lers' Association, and I will couple with it the names of Councillor Salmon, our vice-president, and Mr B Wemyss, our secretary, and Mr A J Hughes, solicitor to the Association.—Sotig. The Absent-oiinded Beggar," Mr Fisk dur ing the singing zel Is Od was collected for the A.M.B. Fund.— In responding, Councillor T E Salmon said that before the formation of the Association, licensed victuallers were subjected to petty annoyances from those who differed with them, and did not agree with a trade t!¡¡u brought so rnuch money for carrvin-, on (,f the Inter- mediate Education in Wales (hear, hear). 'I liese people had no objection to making of the money so derived and he may say that the licensed victual- lers had no objection to help the children of the temperance people (hear* hear). Some of the ( licensed victuallers of the town said that thev could not afford to pay the twopence half-penny per week towards the fund, but the fact of it was that they could not afford not to do so (cheers). The licensed victuallers desired to carry out the laws of the country, and they, of all people, regretted to see the drunkard, for to them the drunkard was more often the downfall of the publican than the publican was the downfall of the drunkard (hear, hear). They always endeavoured to keep the drunkard out so that any respectable person could come in and respect himself (cheers). -Mr Ben Wemyss also responded, and said that the association had £ 10 17s 4d in hand (hear, hear). During the year they had revised the miles of the association and the radius had been expended to a fifty mile radius, which now included Barmouth. Dolgelley, Machynlleth, Newtown, Lampeter, and I Abeiayron, and the neighbouring villages. They had had two battles during the last vear with the police-(hear, hear)—and he happened to be one of the defendants. With the able assistance of Mr A J Hutrhes they won that case. All thev wanted was justice and nothing more. Some of the publicans of the town thought they could do better without joining the society. All he naid was let them alone aud let them fight out their owi. battles. One of these battles was the Fountain Court Battle" (laughter). For that fight he was hand- somely rewarded by the association, who helped him to pay his expenses by giving him two guineas. There was too another feature of the association, and that was the really true sympathetic feeling which existed amongst them. When he was ill last summer be was visited by members of the association and greatly cheered by their presence (hear, hear). All they asked for was fair treatment, and they would do justice to their customers by giving fair measure, good quality, and reasonable charges (cheers). Tne association was federated with the National Defence Fund, and during the last month Councillor T E Salmon and himself attended a meeting of delegates of the association held at Cardiff. When there they were able to obtain several hon members (bear, hear).—Mr A J Hughes also responded, and remarked that his post as solicitor to the association was really a sinecure (hear, hear). There was one point which cught to go out to the public. This was the fact, that where a member was prosecuted and succeeded in proving his innocence of the charge the association paid the costs of the fight; but on the other hand if the member failed and was convicted he had to stand his own costs (hear, bear). It wlisQratifying to find from the last reports of the police that all the licensed victuallers' places were carried on satisfactorily (hear, hear). Piano selection, Geisha," Mr Fisk.—Mr Sargeant gave the health of the Mayor and Corporation and the County and Borough Justices." He couplen with the toast the names of Councillors T E Salmon and R Peake and Mr T Griffiths, J.P.Pianoforl,- selection, I Mr R(llíerttSon.- Cou!lcil!or T E Salmon and Coun- cillor R Peake responded to the toast of the Mayor and Corporation. Both gentlemen laid stress upon the verv many improvements which were carried on in be town, and said they would welcome any other speculatoi s who came to the town. Coun- cillor Peake laid stress on the value of advertising the town during the winter months, which was much preferable to advertising it in summer months. — Mr Thomas Griffiths, in responding, said that he was a baby in the county but he was all old man in the boroiigit. He preferred the borough because there was a court every week, almost every day, in the borough- (bear, heat)-and it was only once a month in the county. It would take them a twelve month to find a mo;e jovial lot of publicans than they found in Aberyst, li (hear, hear, and laughter). He wished the association every success and hoped to meet them on future oceislois.-Mr Ben Wemyss proposed the Press," and referred to the correspondents now out in South Africa.- Our re present a t ire (Mr J D Soencer) responded to the toast. — Mr Glitheroe gave the toast of the "Chairman and Vice-chairman."—The toast was received with musical honours, and in responding Mr Roberts said that he wouid pass the toast on to his falher-(hear. hear)-if it was their pleasure (applau,.e ).-Councillor Peake called for cheers for Alderman David Roberts, which were given with musical honours. — Mr T Griffiths gave the toast of the Host and hostess." which was nrL .wledged by Mr Rufus Williams.

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