The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

A REFLECTION ON CIVILISATION. BY 1912, according to the Government pro- vision, we shall have 16 Dreadnoughts, and, if circumstances demand them, 20. The German War Minister states that it is Germany's intention to have at most 13 battleships of this type by the autumn of that year, though by an accelerated pro- gramme it is possible she might be able to build 17. Mr Balfour reckons she can pro- build 17. Whence he gets his information has not transpired. Perhaps it comes from the same source which led him to believe that the Boers were without horses. Now the German Government, like our own, has to ask Parliament for every penny requisite for its fleet, and we know for a fact, with- out the specific assurance of the German Chancellor, that at most 13 Dreadnoughts are provided for. Prince Buelow, speaking the same evening in the Reichstag on which Mr Balfour was attempting to convict the Government of wanton neglect of the navy, eaid: "It is an indisputable fact that our programme of naval construction is acces- sible to all, that there is no need of dis- simulation, that we have nothing to conceal, and that it is not intended to accelerate the rate of building beyond the rate legally fixed. All rumours to the contrary are un- founded." But Mr Balfour will not accept this statement made on the honour of the German Chancellor. He suspects Germany of playing false with us, and professes to believe that we may be taken by surprise. Sir Edward Grey effectively disposed of this panic-striken spirit. "If," said he, "the Government receives positive information that acceleration of our naval construction is required, we will exercise that power to the fullest, and if we cannot get positive in- formation, we will give the benefit of the doubt to the side of national security." Mr Balfour is foolish enough to imagine that German Dreadnoughts can be stored away like guns until they are required, and so we may be deceived. Nothing could be finer than the passage in which Sir Edward Grey vindicated the Government's refusal to pour out the additional millions which Toryism demands: That the nation should take a pride in resisting force by force is a national and wholesome thing. My sympathies are en- tirely with it; but I would ask people to consider to what consequences the growth of armaments has led. The great coun- tries of Europe are raising enormous re- venues, but something like half of it is spent on naval and military preparations. We may call it national insurance-that is perfectly true-but it is cruelly true to say that half of the national revenue of half the nations of Europe is being spent in preparation to kill each other. A great deal of the responsibility of this expen- diture is really becoming a satire and re- flection on civilization. If this goes on at the rate at which it has recently in- creased, sooner or later it will submerge civilization it must lead to na- tional bankruptcy." Our readers may have forgotten the rate at which armaments have increased. In 1893-4-only fifteen years ago-the cost of our army and navy was £ 33,327,000. Ten years later, under Tory rule, it had more than doubled. Last year it fell to S:56,000,000, but if the jingoes had control it would be raised to 1:80,000,000. Think of the fact that since 1893 we have spent about a thousand millions on armaments. Try to imagine how much could have been. ac- complished for the social betterment of this country if that colossal sum had been de- voted in that direction, instead of being swallowed up in the maelstrom of militarism. Verily, they are the worst enemies of their own country who attempt to enflame the feelings of the German people against us. Men like Mr Lee, who moved the vote of censure, which Mr Balfour had not the courage himself to submit, contend that we must be ready to deal Germany the first blow. What is the answer of the German Chancellor to aggravating nonsense of this kind. Listen to him: "All this (the recent festivities in Ger- many on the occasion of King Edward's visit) has once more brought both peoples to a clear consciousness of how much reason they have mutually to respect each other and peacefully to vie one with the other in works of peace. The network of our relations is not so easy to tear, no matter how much mischievous hands may drag at it, for, apart from all ideal value, this network has acquired its strength from the fact that a great part of the work of our two peoples is bound up in it. There are hardly two other countries which are so dependent upon one another for their national industry as are Ger- many and Great Britain. (After quoting figures to prove that Germany is Great Britain's best customer.) The Imperial Government will continue to regard it as its duty to encourage all friendly feeling between Germany and Great Britain, and to strive to establish such relations be- tween the two peoples as will leave no room for mistrust." These are the words of a statesman, dig- nified, sagacious, tolerant, the avowed friend of this country, the apostle of peace. How grandly they contrast with those of our own jingoistic scaremongers, who find fiend- ish fun in fomenting an international snarl, if not a naval fight, between two peoples whose be.st interests are interwoven. Truly, Great Britain has cause to rejoice that at this moment a level-headed Liberal Govern- ment is in power.

A REFUSE DESTRUCTOR FOR NEWTOWN. Whatever conclusion the Local Govern- ment Board may come to upon the report of their Inpector's inquiry into the proposal to erect a refuse destructor at Newtown, one thing is certain—the present tipping station must be closed up. This unsightly and, evil-smelling heap was long ago condemned by the medical officer of health, and the latest report concerning it is nothing short of a public scandal. It transpires that this miniature mountain of rubbish is infested with rats, which have burrowed their way into the cemetery adjoining, with re- sults much too revolting to contemplate. To find another tipping depot easy of ac- cess, within a short distance of the town, and in a neighbourhood where the carting and accumulation of refuse would not prove offensive or injurious to the health of resi- dents, is a difficult task. There can be no questioning the fact that the destructor sys- tem is sanitarily the best conceivable. Whether the site chosen by the Council is suitable from a health standpoint, and whether the scheme has been sufficiently thought out, are matters upon which the Board will be guided by its inspector. We cannot, like Councillor Evans, pronounce an authoritative opinion that from a medical point of view the gaworks site is quite out of the question." The Medical Officer of Health has given a contrary pronounce- ment, and it was with his approval that the Council determined upon it. It is, per- haps, the most central and convenient site which could be selected, and there, for ob- vious reasons, the destructor would be worked much cheaper than elsewhere, and a very considerable saving would also be effected upon the erection of the necessary buildings, provided that the gasworks chim- ney is equal to the dual purposes. Under the new system it is estimated that between £60 and £70 annually would be saved in the cost of cartage, but if the Council are compelled to acquire a site outside the town it is unlikely this will be realised.

IS IT DISSOLUTION ? Various communications which have reached us indicate a determination on the part of Shropshire's representatives to force the issue between Salop and Montgomery with regard to the recent proposal for the enlargement of the joint counties asylum at Bicton. In that proposal the Shropshire Visitors were beaten by the refusal of the Home Secretary to sanction it, thanks main- ly to the efforts of Colonel Pryce-Jones, Mr Richard Lloyd, and the Borough Member; but having the Lunacy Commissioners with them, a further move, if in another direc- tion, is not improbable. The alleged diffi- culty in finding accommodation for that class of lunatic which cannot be safely boarded out in workhouses may evolve the suggestion of a properly equipped supple- mental asylum or a dissolution of the part- nership. It will be the wise policy of Mont- gomeryshire to await overtures. If Salop is resolved upon dissolution, then Mont- gomeryshire will be entitled to demand and receive its full proportionate interest in the joint institution, which would provide the means for constructing an asylum of its own. Forden Union is prepared, we believe, to dispose of its entire workhouse for that purpose. It is a building which, according to expert opinion, would be easy of adapta- tion, and in the matter of situation it could not be improved upon.

THE HEALTH OF SCHOOL CHILDREN. As we go to press there comes to hand the first annual report of the County Medical Officer of Health upon the medical inspec- tion of children in all the elementary schools in Montgomeryshire. Next week we shall make an exhaustive review of this very im- portant document, almost every line of which emphasises the wisdom of exercising the minutest medical supervision of school life. The result of this inspection is a revelation of conditions such as must amaze everybody. Children insufficiently fed and clothed, unclean and verminous, children of defective sight and 85 per cent. of them suffering from neglected teeth, schools insanitary, improperly heated, and without. sufficient water supplies, and badly looked after by inefficient caretakers-these are revelations that disquieten a community, and illustrate the hopelessness of striving after the attainment of a higher standard of education as long as the physical condi- tions of the pupils fall so seriously short of what they ought to be.

RETIRING WORTHIES. Three patriarchal figures long familiar in Welshpool have just entered into a well- earned retirement, with the united good wishes of their innumerable friends and ad- mirers. Mr Richard Powell, who for sixty years has held an important place in the County Clerk's office, and latterly had charge of the County Council work, which he discharged with marked efficiency, will be greatly missed at the meetings of that assembly. But still hale and hearty, we hope to see him long and actively associated with the social and religious life of Welsh- pool, which has always appealed to one with a disposition so sympathetic and a mind that ever turns to works of goodness. Another esteemed worthy who lays down the burden of his office is Mr Frank Roper. For 46 years this gentleman has held the post of high bailiff, an office that is now al- most, if not altogether, extinct. Unhap- pily, Mr Roper's retirement is caused by ill-health. May the rest he seeks restore him to the enjoyment of more robust strength. Thirty-eight out of the forty-nine years during which he has faithfully served his employers, Mr Henry Lloyd has spent in Welshpool. As superintendent of the railway telegraph system, he had something like 400 miles to do duty upon. The dis- appearance of these gentlemen from offices in which they loomed prominently in the public eye is a regrettable snapping of official links with a distant past.

EASTER GIFTS.- Devotional Works, Text Books, Easter Greeting Cards and Booklets, Charming Now Illustrated Prayer Books, Church Services, Communicants Manuals, Treasury of Devotien, The Great Classics in Pocket size (leather bound). —The Book and Bible Depot, 19, Broad Street, Newtown. "Christianity and the Cambrian."—The lo- cal branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants held an open meeting, to which non-unionists accepted invitations to attend in the Town Hall on Sunday. An honorary member, Mr J. G. Morris, gave an address on Christianity and the Cambrian," and an interesting discussion arose. Amongst others that took part in these proceedings was Mr Hughes, of Bala- Bangor College, who was the preacher for the day at the English Congregational Chapel. Local Will.-Major-General the Hon. William Henry Herbert, of Winsley Hall, Westbury (fifth son of the 2nd Earl of Powis, and uncle to the present Earl), who died January 29th last, and lies buried in Christ Churchyard, Welshpool, left estate valued at £ 20,599. General Herbert by his will, dated June 16th, 1894, with a codicil dated November 14th, 1902, bequeathed to his servant, Isabella Heron, F.100, and an annuity of £ 48 to his old servant, Annie Banks. The residue of the estate has been left entirely to the widow, the Hon. Sybella Augusta Herbert, the sole executrix, to whom probate has been granted.

NEVTOWN RATEPAYEB' ASSOCIATION. Another public nBting in connection with the newly formed Ratejyers' Association was held at the Free Librar; on Thursday evening, when Mr W. P. Phillipawas voted to the chair. A number of influentl ratepayers were present including Messrs J. rthur Jones, Thos. Meredith, D. H. Powell, J. A. diver, Edward Morgan, Geo. Aatley, Martin Owt, George Woosnam, George Jones, J. Morris Commercial-street), Edward Jonea (architect), JALiaton, Knapp, A. H. Barratt, W. Spence, E. C. M'gan, J. Parry, W. D, Crofts, C. T. Griffiths, T. RBridgwater, J. E. Roberts, J. E. Lane Griffiths. S. H. Morgan, with Mr F. Bennett Lloyd, actig hon. secretary. It will be rememked that the principal objects tor which the Assoation was formed were to hold public meetings, leiures, etc., to advise the rate- payers as to their pvileges and duties, to recom- mend and support desirable candidates (when deemed advisable) or the various public bodies, and to assist the umbers of such bodies in ascer- taining and carryig out the views of the rate- payers upon questins of public interest, and to promote and protecthe interests of the ratepayers generally in such mnner as the members or com- mittee may approv the Chairman sid that before proceeding with the question of erolling members it would be well to consider le question of continuing the association, as th. meag18 attendance was very disappointing to th committee, who had had the matter before thet. That there was need for such an associatiot was well known to anyone in Newtown who tooleven a slight interest in public affairs and never vs it more exemplified than at the Local Goverment Board inquiry held that morning in the Cotjcil Chamber, where an inquiry was made as to the necessity of providing a destructor for thistown. One after another of those who were pposed to the idea got up— whether justifiab) or not it was not for him to say—and proteste<that although they were mem- bers of the Counil, they were quite ignorant as to the requirement which were being put forward by the Council. Tie committee were disappointed seeing that men wio claimed to have an interest in the oivic hfe an in the progress and welfare of the town, in the upkeep of its markets and its fairs, showed sucha lamentable want of interest in that association He invited them to say' whether it was w(l to proceed in the present cir- cumstances. Mr T. Meredith in a brief and pithy speech, maid that it had ben his pleasure to attend every meeting since th inception of the proposed association. The, had held a considerable number of meetings and had done their best, and had drafted the rules which had been practically adopts; but at their last meeting they felt that aeing the very few that did attend the generil meeting they were terribly dismayed. Those assembled there that night were about twelre more than were on the committee. Surely after the public announce- ment that had teen made in the Press, that clearly proved tha; the ratepayers did not at the present time thhk it desirable that such an institution as thai should be formed. An associa- tion of say fifty members could not appeal to public opinion wih the force mentioned by the chairman, and he for one did not feel inclined to proceed with the natter. He was of opinion that they should adjou:n sine die, or say for twelve months, and thenfthere was a feeling in the town that it should be levived, that could be done. Mr J. E. Lane Griffiths agreed with the previous speakers. There vas no doubt whatever that it was eminently desirable that an association of that character should be formed. They largely needed the educative influence which such an association as thit would exercise. It was the old cry- indifference on the part of the mass of electors, which wis really an appalling state of things. It really meant tflat one or two were left to rule the town just as they thought fit, and the rest grumbled in an illogical way in corners and in cliques. He thought there was nothing left for him but to reluctantly let the thing go because they could only be effective in so far as they could influence the members of public bodies. If public bodies knew that they only represented a few voters they would laugh at them. No doubt they were laughing at them at the present moment. The only thing that would move them would be votes, and they had only got Mew votes. Mr Knapp also expressed his disappointment at the meagra attendance. Mr J. Arthur Jones feared that the reason why such little interest was taken wfkb because people were not taught to go on their own initiative. Their education, and almost their food, was provided for them, so that really the spirit of initiative was more or less crashed out. He believed the association would do a great deal of good. Mr Parry took an optimistic view. Looking round the gentlemen present he. saw a number who, he said, were men of a considerable amount of ability, and they must remember that men of ability went a long way. "Don't lose heart, gentlemen," said Mr Parry; apd Mr Parry's advice acted as a stimulent upon the subsequent proceedings. None of those things, Mr Parry said, were done at once, but persevereoce would gain the goal. He would undertake to get 20 members, and if everyone else did the same they would have a large number. Mr George Jones said he thought that by that association they could gather together in New- town a body of men—successful business men, who would not serve on public bodies, who could not, as things were at present constituted, express their opinion. He moved that the meeting be adjourned for a month and that a further appeal be made by advertisement in the two papers, and the public notified of the fact that that would be the final meeting unless a fait percentage of rate- payers would meet. Mr E. H. Morgan feared that a majority of the ratepayers did not understand tine idea of the association. Mr J. Morris seconded Mr George Jones's motion. Mr W. Spence deplored the indifference in public affairs that was growing all over the country. They wanted somebody to do every- thing for them. They wanted a "titty bottle" all day (laughter). Mr George Astley said that he never believed they were going to get hundreds. They had got enough in that room to form a very good associa- tion. If they were going to wait until the men came in they would wait until doomsday. Mr Edward Morgan said he did not see why that meeting was not large enough to form the association. He moved that the resolution passed previously to form the association be adhered to. Mr W. D. Crofts agreed. He had spoken to a good many ratepayers on this matter and he thought that the title somewhat frightened some. In other towns an association such as that was called a Tradesmen's Guild. His experience of things in Newtown had been that there must be one or two to start, and once that association was commenced it would go on. They all agreed as to the needs of the association, and it would be a pitty for it to fall through. It was unanimously agreed at the close that the association be continued, the meeting being adjourned to an early date At the close nearly all those present paid their subscriptions to the secretary.

CARNO. CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONALIST v. LIBERAL MICTILODIST.-The appointment of County Council- lor Pryce Wilson-Jones as superintendent of the County Council's Small Holdings ia Montgomery- shire will cause an election in the Carno division, and although the seat has not yet been officially declared vacant, two rival candidates are in the field. Last Tuesday Liberals from the parishes of Llanllugan, Lianwyddelan, and Carno met at Newtown, and unanimously decided to ask Mr Llewelyn D. Humphreys, of Castell, Carno, to stand in place of Mr P W. Jones. Mr Humphreys, who already represents Carno on the Caeraws Board of Guardians and Rural Council, has accepted the invitation. He is a Calvinistic Methodist, a Liberal ani agent for his mother's estate, while his opponent (Mr John Breeze, Glanhanog) is a Congregational deacon, a Tory, and a tenant farmer under Sir Watkin Wynn. An interesting contest is expected.

MR. DAVID D IVIES' FOX HOUNDS WILL MEET Monday, April 5th Bettws Thursday, April 8th Newtown Saturday, April 10th Hampton Hall At 10-30 a.m.

Protest Against Lying Tongues. Sir,-Your correspondent who calls herselt A Woman is, I think, very severe. It may be true of a few innocent chatterers, but the stocks that she recommends for others she herself, in my opinion, deserves to get first for her own malicious snarls. She seems to be very proud of her own married position, and vents her spleen, on respectable single people. Will she Irindlyi remember that a good name is like the precious ointment more to be desired than gold ? I deeply deplore the lying poition of canters wherever they may be. It is sad to think of the mischief done to those concerned, who may be gone beyond recall before it is found out. As to secrets, she is a rare exception not to care to hear a true secret. I agree that snakes in grass ought to be done something with they sting so venomously. "A Woman" would do well to look to her own inuendoes, and find out that Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his own Maker, and he that is glad at calamities shall not go unpunished. Yours truly, SYMPATHISER.

What is Wrong at Manafon ? Sir,—Please allow me a few lines in your next issue to remark on the above. As amanager and defender of Dwyrhiew school I feel it my duty to correct the statement of Mr l'ybus as to the number of children that has left Manafon school to come to Dwyrhiew. I am sorry to say it is six, not two. The children who have left Manafon school since 1905 and come to Dwyrhiew is 14. It is only ten years since the erection of Dwyrhiew school, and I had to fight a determined battle against great odds to get it. It wa3 not then considered worthy by many in the Manafon school district to be of any account, but it seems they have changed their minds. We only applied for a teacher for a mixed school to the number of 30, but in 1908 the number on the register was 38, owing to the school being crowded by Manafon children. Still, the teaching is satisfactory, although the salary is only JE65. We have several times applied for a worthy advance to the teacher, but it has not been granted. The staff of teachers at Manafon is three for 52 children (according to Mr Pybus' figures), and the salaries I think are JEIOO, J655, and 130, total JB185. Please let me appeal to the Education Committee to take these remarks into their consideration when they make their inquiry. Is it light or fair that Dwyrhiew should be in the position it now is. I think it very unfair treatment, and very discouraging to teacher and managers to try and keep the school up to the high standard at which it has been maintained so far under such circumstances. I should be the last to object to taking any child if we had room, and if I thought it would be to better his education, because I know what it is to be without education myself. Otherwise I should not have fought as hard as I did to get a school in Dwyrhiew, which has been of the greatest assistance to the children of the district. —Yours, etc., E. JONES, Manager. Lawnt, Manafon.

Elementary Schools and Violin Teaching. Sir,—Some time ago the fiddle craze had taken a strong hold on some officials of the elementary schools, which resulted, through the headmasters, in the purchase of a great number of violins. The parents were induced to do so on a plea that a competent teacher would visit the schools weekly, which was then admitted to be a very reasonable plan for imparting, at least, some knowledge on violin playing, and one which, if carried on, would undoubtedly in time have been been the means of bringing to light many a bright an intelligent fiddler. Why this scheme was not carried out no one seems to know. btiu, I maintain, that had the parents of those children known at the time they were induced to purchase these violins, I scarcely think they would have willingly consented to de so. The history of these fiddles is amusing. At one time along the roads and streets of a certain important district, no less than from 25 to 30 children could be seen, two or three times a week, marching towards the village school to attend the class for fiddlers. Who the teacher was has been amystery to this day, and probably will be so, if he or she will not disclose the secret of Iheir identity. I have it from a very reliable source that this fiddle fever had taken a fascinating grip on several important people at this time. But I much regret that no knowledge has reached me of any advancement in this particular branch of the musical art. It seems a pity that those respon- sible for this state of affairs could not foresee this before expending needful cash in buying these violins, as in considerably less than two years' time the whole business has terminated in nought. That an expenditure of about X30 should come to this untimely and inglorious end, is, I maintain, of sufficient public importance to be made a subject of enquiry. Possibly these few lines may awaken some of those in power to write an explanation why matters have been left to drift in this unex- cusablo manner. They will also, I hope, fully explain their transaction in buying these violins from the makers, so as to clear the air of any doubts that may exist in the minds of the general public on this particular point.—Yours, etc., MYLLIN.

Luke Sharpe" and Dreadnoughts. Sir,—I read with astonishment Mr Luke Sharpe's remarks in last week's issue of the 'Montgomeryshire Express,' in which he de- nounces warlike preparedness, stating that the j more the sword is kept in the background the ( more hope there is of keeping free from hostilities." His warranty for such a statement is America. The reading of history, past and present, is, I say, dead against such an assump- tion. America, at the present time, is spending over ten millions annually upon naval construction, a very similar amount to our own. Has she not recently done her share of "beating the big drum ? Has she not had her scares in the yellow peril, and, in consequence, the demands for a fortified Pacific Coast, and the all round the world cruise of the great fi^et ? Cannot we imagine what America's answer to Germany's naval programme would be if the latter country was within easy striking distance, instead of having a natural bulwark of thousands of miles of water between ? America would say not four, but forty Dreadnoughts. Has not Mr Luke Sharpe" overlooked that within the last few years we have, thanks to an overwhelming fleet, been able to keep the peace cf the world ? Take the following recent reminders :-The French at Fashoda; proposed intervention of the Powers, in the Spanish American War; threatened intervention again in the Boer War; and Germany's threat of war over Moiocco. In all /these cases war was spelt, but our Navy being supreme kept the peace. Surely, Mr Luke Sharpe," when out of his Arcadian dreams, will recant his fallacious doctrine, which I am thankful to say has not, so far as I can see, been adopted by any of our responsible statesman.-Yours truly, Caersws, April 2nd. W. G. CLEETON.

DOLFOR. On Saturday week, Mr David Davies' hounds met at Dolfor. Those present were the Master, Messrs W. E. Pryce-Jones, Jones, J. Powell (Graig), Davies (keeper, Llanbadarn), J. Howells (Gilfach), Dick Evans, Greenhow, Tilsley and Perry (whips). On Mr Powell, Graig, informing the Mas- ter that Reynard had been visiting his poultry yard, and doing a lot of damage, Mr Watson's gorse was drawn, but proved blank. A little distance away is Tycornel gorse, which was next drawn. The hounds has scarcely been put in when a "tally ho" was heard from "Billy the Green." Cross- ing Jaundrell's (Weeg's) top fields, Reynard set his mask for Pantwyn, and turned to the left for Black Hill. Being headed he turned back across Black Hill road end. Going at racing pace down for Cwmddalvar, he turned left-handed over the top to that stronghold, H Chandlers," Penaron, when it looked as if Reynard's race was coming to an end. Going at full speed down for Cwmadalvar, he turned left-handed over the top to Hendanty, down through Cefnymy- nach orchard, close to the house in the din- gle, where he went to earth. Just as fox bolted, the United Pack came down, and the two fields had the unexpected pleasure of seeing both packs killing and chopping the one fox. By this time the field had con- siderably increased. It was a scene that will not be forgotten for some time to come, the Black Hall valley ringing with the sound of both masters horns. The United then drew back for Sarn, and the Plas Dinam pack drew on Black Hall field. They were then taken back to the Top Plantation next to Cwmadalvar Hall, where a fox was soon on foot. Hounds getting on to the line, raced through the New Pool Plantation to Kerry Pole, turned left-handed down to the Block and Black Hall wood, the seene of the other execution. Reynard then made off over Cilthrew to Brynllywarch Wood, where he went to earth. Little "Spot" was put in, and soon made Reynard leave his retreat, the Master nearly getting hold of his brush as leaving. He raced back to Black Hall big earth, where he had to be left.

E. 11M R. 7TH MONTGOMERY AND MERIONETH BATTALION ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS By LIEUT.-COL. SIR W. L. NAPIER, BART, Commanding Headquarters, Newtown, April 3rd, 1909. ENLISTMENTS. The under-mentioned men having enlisted into the Territorial Force on the dates stated are taken on the strength of the Battalion, posted to companies, and allotted regimental numbers as stated against their names:—C Co. (Llanfyllin), 432 E. Roberts, 26/3/09; (Welshpool) 433 T. H. Davies, 434 J. A. Marston, 435 W. S. Bray, 436 A. Johnson, 437 G. Davies, 25/3/09; 438 F. H. Davies, 1/3/09. G Co. (Penrhyndeudraeth), 2305 H. J. Roberts, 28/3/09. F Co. (Towyn), 2306 J. H. Williams, 10/3/09; 2308 R. D. Pugh, 23/3/09; H Co. (Bala). 2307 Ivor Roberts, 20/3/09 2309 H. Jones, 26/3/09. lte-ENGAGEMENTB.-The Commanding Officer has been pleased to approve of the undermen- tioned N.C.O.'s and men re-engaging to con- tinue serving in the Territorial Force for the periods stated:—For one year: A Company- 190 Pte H. Harris, 192 Pte A. H. Maddox, 193 Pto G. Maddox, 194 Pte T. M. Morris, 195 Pte A. Withers, 196 Cpl J. Proctor, 269 Pte C. B. Williams, 238 Pte W. E. Palmer, 239 Pto H. Powell, 240 Pte T. H. Evans, 241 L-Cpl H. Bunner. B Company—115 Pte T. E. Vanner. C Company—155 Pte B. J. Bennett, 158 Pte R. H. Jones, 169 Pte S. J. Hughes, 168 Pte D. Evans, 164 Pte W. E. Upjohn. D Company- 16 Cpl T. Leeke, 33 Pte H. W. Jones, 34 Pte T. Evans, 35 Pte W. P. Evans, 37 L Cpl J. O. Holt, 57 Pte J. O. Evans, 89 *te J. Jones, 72 Pte H. Thomas, 138 Pte C. H. Uvaus. Fi r two years: D Cowpany-17 Cpl W. R. James, I 22 Pte W. L. Williams, 23 Pte D. Arnold, 36 Pte R. Arthur. 74 Pte S. Vauerhan. For three year: C Company--7153 Pte W. Hughes, 8 L- Sergt G. Davies, 13 Pte J. E. Roberts. D Com- pany-14 Sergt R. Howell, 15 Sprgt T. Hughes, 27 Sergt W. Sadlier, 28 L-Cpl R. Edwards, 40 L-Cpl W. Yaughan, 142 Pte H. Arnold. For four years: E Company-2016 Pte G. C. Owen, 2923 Pte T. Morris. TRANSFERS.—No. 2310 Pte J T. Owen having been transferred from the Shropshire Yeomanry on the 25/3/09, is taken on the strength of the Battalion, posted to H Company (Bala), and al- lotted Regimental number as stated against his name. No. 439 Pte T. Phillips, having been transferred from the 1st Monmouthshire Regi- ment on the 31/3/09, is taken on the strength of the Battalion, posted to A Company (Llanidloes), and allotted Regimental number as stated against his name. No. 2047 Pte E. B. Parry, F Company, is transferred to D Company from this date. CERTIFICATE.-2nd-Lieut E. Tudor Jones quali- fied at Wrexham on the 10th March, 1909, for Certificate A, Appendix 4, T F Regulations, 1908. STRENGTH.—On the 1st April, 1909, the strength and distribution of the Battalion was as follows -Officers present and fit for duty, 20. Permanent Staff: Adjutant 1, Instructors 8. N.C.O's and men :-A Co.: Llanidloes 46, Caersws 26. Mont- gomery 20; total, 93. B Co.: Newtown 128. C Co.: Welsbpool 63, Llanfyllin 18, Llanfair 14, Llanwddyn 18, Llansantffraid 8, Llatifechain 2; total, 118. D Co.: Machynlleth 72, Llanbrynmair 14; total, 86. E Co.: Dolgelley 65. F' Co Towyn €3, Aberdovey 27; total, 9U. G Co.: Blaenau Festiniog 73, Festiniog 7, Penrbyndeu- draeth 12; total, 92. H Co.: Bala 35, Cor wen 25 total, 60. Grand total (excluding the officers and permanent staff)-Montgomeryshire 425, Merion- ethshire 307; total strength of Battalion, 732 RETURNS.—Clr.-Sergt.-Instructors when com- pleting Army Form E611 re-engagement-s must be careful to fill up the form in every detail, especially the date on which the N.C O.'s and men re-engage. A. T. C. RONDLE, Captain. Adjutant 7th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. COMPANY ORDERS. B COMPANY. (1) All N.C.O.'s and men desiroas of re-engag- ing to continue serving in the Territorial Furce are requested to attend at the Aruaoury Head- quarters on Tuesday evening, 6th inst., at 8 p m. (2) RIFLE PRACTICE.—The Rifle Range will he open for practice on Saturday next, the 10th April, 1909, at 2 p.m. All membeis attending to I pay the sum of 6d at the time rf shooting to cover expenses. Names to be given to tbe Sergt-Major. signed, it. W. AKBUTTLJNUT, captain, Commanding B Coy, 7th Batt., R.W. Fusiliers. C COMPANY. RECRUITS.—Parade at Armoury, Brook-street, at 8-15 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. (Signed) W. J. CORBETT WINDER, Capt., 1 Commanding C Co., 7th R.W.F.

SEEN AND HEARD. Nothing exttiBaat*. nor net down aUllht iu w&Uce. SSiKKiJPItA&X. A humble tribute to the first woodland violet: Daughter of Spring, whose purple flower Loves best to hide from every eye, The deepest shade to inhale the shower, Unseen to bloom, unseen to die. Less beautiful than the rose thou art, Yet dear to friendship thou shalt be, Love's loveliest roses wound the heart, But thou from envy's thorns art free. Come, quit this lone and quiet dell, And in my garden thou shalt bloom, There in its calm retreat to dwell, And cheer me with thy soft perfume. Yet, no-to grace this little wood Still here remain. How happy he Who spends his life in doing good, Yet hides himself from praise like thee. Just as I was lamenting the disappointed hope of an epistolary encounter over my series of Plain facts for plain-thinking people," who should look in upon me but the genial Colonel himself, bearing the ÎD- teresting document which is reproduced in another column. It was good, it was grac- ious, it was characteristic of him thus io trouble himself for my satisfaction. Al- though his reply is most remarkable for the facts" left untouched, and therefore un- answered, please ponder well his specific statements, which I shall be glad to deal with next week. "What is the poor rate in the Newtown district ? queried the Local Government Board inspector at his inquiry in Newtown on Thursday. The learned Clerk to the Urban Council, who knows most everything looked as if wrestling with a conundrum; I professional gentlemen exchanged puzzled glances; public officials scratched their craniums; councillors whispered along and I across the table; scribes senior and junior were mentally bursting for the honour of enlightening the inquirer; ratepayers fum- bled in their pockets for a clue; but all to no purpose. The Clerk to the Board of Guardians had to be commandeered to il- luminate the prevailing ignorance. Now what is the amount of the rate ? j A waggoner's boy employed at a farm II not far from the County town might have been seen the other day scurrying along the highway, with a bundle on his shoulder, and wearing a look of fearful anxiety, which gradually faded the more he threw the fur- longs behind him. Rounding a corner of I the road he was suddenly held up by a rural chum, who instinctively greeted him with "Hello, Bill! where a-going?; hast thee left the place?" "Aye, an quick, too," answered the runaway. "How that now?" "Well, I'll tell thee," said Billy, casting an appre- I hensive look over his shoulder before lower- ing the bundle to the ground. "One of the master's wethers died a bit ago, and the boss I pickled 'im, and we ate it. A week back a cow died, and they pickled 'er, and we ate 'er, too. Last night the missus died, and-well, you bet, I'm off." "As an Anglo-Canadian," writes a cor- respondent, "I was very much interested to read of your interview with the New- tonian from Vancouver. I, too, have so- journed in Vancouver, and can supplement his statement as to the dearness of all kinds of necessaries in that country. I woo'd and won my good wife there. Let me illustrate the price list of things by showing you what it costs a swain to entertain his girl of an evening. Canadian girls are very partial to sweets. If I ran into a confectioner's shop to buy her a box of chocolates, the cheapest I could have was 50 cents (2s Id). Perhaps I wanted to replenish my tobacco pouch. A quarter pound (nothing less) of Capstan navy cut cost me also 50 cents, or if I preferred cigarettes of the same tobacco, 20 cents (lOd) for ten. A clay pipe could not be had under 5 cents (2!d), and the same price is demanded for an ordinary box of vextas. If the girl fancied an icecream, away went 10 to 15 cents, or a car ride, no matter how short the distance, 5 cents. We I might drop into a restaurant to enjoy a rest and a refresher. A bottle of bass would make me poorer by 25 cents (Is Oid), a glass of whiskey 15 cents or two for Is Old, draft 2 beer being the same price. The charges for admission into theatres, musical halls, and concerts, as your correspondent has said, are such as a young man does not care to pay for himself and the sweetheart very often. Then in returning home I might buy an evening paper, which costs 21d. He is also right in his reference to the price of English manufactured articles out there—they are. indeed, luxuries. Wages are higher than in this country, and I can assure you they would need to be." I echo your correspondent's warning to married men with wife and family—don't go to America in quest of a fortune. A sin- gle chap will do all right if he has his head well screwed on, has more than one skilled trade to follow, and lives carefully. Since returning to the old country, I have been greatly amused to hear fairy tales told in all seriousness of the wages earned by sev- eral natives of Montgomeryshire in Canada, who, as drapers, grocers, and other kinds of shopmen, are credited with £ 4 to Z7 a week. Believe me when I say that no greater fic- tion was ever spoken. I very much ques- tion-and I know some of them-if, all things included, they are financially better off than they were at home. That they are having higher wages there is, of course, cor- rect, and those who strike oil do well, but, they have to work hard for it in a long work- ing day, aye, and spend it, too, to live with any degree of comfort. For real happiness of home life, for cheap living, for comfort, for pleasure in work, give me the old country before any in which I have travelled." While local tradesmen and others are la- menting the scarcity of money, and the un- honoured bills which they issue quarter af- ter quarter to customers and clients, a show- man may come to these parts and scoop up as much as jC500 in five days. This approx- imately, I am told, was the haul which Pat Collins made during his brief sojourn in Llanidloes and Newtown last week. I would be the first to stay the hand raised against communal indulgence in innocent pleasure, but if by the self-denial of this evanescent enjoyment upon the motor' .switchback that goodly sum had been devoted to the cost of the new county infirmary, what greater satisfaction might we feel to-day and to- morrow. LUKE SHARP*.

A SURPRISING STATEMENT. In the remarkable speech with which Councillor Evans denounced the project at the inquiry, we find a surprising statement that cannot be allowed to pass unnoticed. The Local Government Board auditor, says Mr Evans, has advised the representatives of the outer district to lay their objections before the Board when they think fit, to the adoption of any fresh costly scheme" exclusively for the benefit of the town, on the assurance that the Board will "sustain" their protest. Assuming that Mr Evans is not misunderstood, we should like to know what warranty has the auditor for such ad- vice. Little wonder that the Board's in- spector expressed a note of surprise. That the outer representatives have this right of objection or protest no one questions, but that such protests shall be sustained as a matter of course is an official assertion which the auditor should be invited to justify. Notwithstanding the fact that the outer district ratepayers enjoy a remission of sixpence in the F., there is some reason in their plea for exemption from contribut- ing their full share of the cost of what are essentially town improvements, but surely the varying circumstances must be calcu- lated. Besides, we are not sure that it conies within the province of an auditor to direct a local authority as to how it shall apportion a rate. Far less is his warranty for saying that protests of this kind will be sustained" by the Local Government Board. The Council must decide to test this statement, so vitally important is its bearing upon all public improvements in the future.

LUKE SHARPE'S REPLY. Than this no better sample could be exhibited of those silly alarmists who are trying to work up a scare with which to frighten the country into embarking on a ruinous expenditure upon arma- ments by reason of a visionary German invasion. As Mr Churchill inquired the other day, what have Germany and England to fight about ? We have no prize to fight for, and no place to fight in. A war between these nations would be like a fight between an elephant and a whale. The Germans are overwhelmingly strong on land, and we are predominantly strong at sea. Those nervous scaremongers who, like this correspondent, are so seriously troubled by that dread vision should study the comparative naval statistics of the great powers, from which they would doubtlessly derive a needful sleeping draught. Our navy, according to experts, is large enough in all con- science for all emergencies, and in training it is equal to, where it does not surpass, any other service in the world. This hysterical anxiety can only be justified on the supposition that one German is equal to two Britons on the sea. That, however, would seem an extremely craven and unpatriotic suggestion to come from men who claim to have a monopoly both of courage and heroism. Spend, spend, spend, and still spend, not thous- ands but millions, is the incessant shriek of the fanatical jingo who conjures the spectre of ghoulish Germany feasting upon the ambition to I overthrow a neighbour whose industrial existencei is interwoven with its own. That two friendly\ and level-headed nations should be such drivelling idiots as to deliberately assail their interdependence is a figment of the unwholesome brain Jingoistic. Mr Cleetoff would clarify his fevered mind, and rid it of the hobgoblin which haunts him by read- ing the speeches of Sir Edward Grey and the German Chancellor delivered in the House of Commons and Reichstag during the past wtek. It may even interest and edify him to learn that Peel, who knew as well as any man the primary importance of maintaining the financial equilibrium of the State, once said, If you adopt the opinion of military men, naturaliy anxious for the security of every available point, naturally anxious to throw upon you the whole responsi- bility for the loss, in the event, of war suddenly breaking out, of some of our valuable possessions, you would overwhelm this country with taxes in time of peace" And Disraeli, in one of those inspired moments which dot his erratic career like signal beacons, amplified this idea, by telling a Jingo Prime Minister to his face. You may have your garrisons abroad and your fleets of commanding power, but it you have omitted the principal source of your power, namely, a sound state of finance, yon will find that you have omitted the most important of all the elements of your influence abroad." That is unanswerably true. But what the babbling scaremongers wish to do is to exploit the limits of our resources, and then expect us to be in a condition to strike with all the strength of a robust nation. LUKE SHARPE.