The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

41 THAT REPORT." I Another Private Sitting at Forclen, Attempting Economy Appeal to Mr. John Burns. The Guardians Astonished. That's what we are here for-to do our business in a business-like manner "—A FORDEX GUAR- XJIAN. We ought to resolve ourselves into a committee tor that report, and then that report ought to be made public. Thus spoke Mr Stafford Price-Davies (chairman of the Finance Committee) at the Forden Board of Guardians last Wed- nesday. "I ara of that opinion; agreed Mr John Pryce Jones (chairman ot the Visiting Com- mittee). n Can this be done with the other worK i■ inquired Mr John Edwards. It won't take very long," answered the Chairman (Mr William Pritchard). So the Board went into committee, and re- mained there for half an hour. But then that report was not handed to the press. Later, another report was received-the Finance Committee called attention to the enormous quantity of sharps used and to the excessive cost of stationery, more es- pecially of the Master's books. The com- mittee recommended that the attention tf the Local Government Board and of the local members of Parliament be called to the latter point. They also thought it de- sirable that the fee farm rent of 15s lO!d each half-year, paid to Messrs Morris and Son (Chirbury) should be redeemed. The committee further was of opinion that the butter used was excessive, considering that cows were kept. Mr Price-Davies, moving the adoption of the report, said he had called attention to the quantity of sharps on several occasions. I said before, and I say it now that if all the stuff that was not eaten and that was paid for in this workhouse was put where it ought to be—in the swill-tub—it would have FED MOST OF THE PIGS IN MONT- GOMERYSHIRE (loud laughter). He suggested that the Farming Committee look into this matter, and he had also been given to understand that the sharps brought into the workhouse were never accounted for—they might be now, but they had not been. If all the tuff wasted were used to feed the pigs, there would not be any sharps wanted at all. He had also drawn attention many times to the cost of stationery, but he feared the matter was quite beyond them. Still, the majority of the committee were of opinion that it should be brought forward, and Mr Tomley ventured even to suggest an economical revolution by compelling people to sell goods fixed by act of Parliament (laughter). He (Mr PriceDavies) feared that was beyond the scope of the Board or of anybody else. But he must say the cost of stationery was enormous. There are two books—the big master's book, which fihows all the dietary and the consumption of food in the workhouse—theoretically— (laughter and smiles)—which is very fine, and a large book. which shows exactly how many paupers have so many ounces of something or other—two of these books cost £ 5 125 !(Sensation. The Rev E .H. Beattie Good gracious) Mr Price-Davies added that Mr Pryce Jones (Welshpool) had suggested that Mr John Burns ought to be able to do some- thing. But he (Ir Price-Davies) feared that Mr Burns, probably like a great many other gentlemen of a reforming nature who went into a large office in London, found themselves up against the red tape- (laugiiter)—and they got bound and stran- gled by it. He was not wishing to disparage the gentleman at all—he thought he had done a great deal of good. But, unfortun- ately, there was more or less of A RING OF MANUFACTURERS who made these books, and they said the printing cost so much and the binding so -much, and all the ruling and goodness knew what that cost such an awful lot, but if the guardians would take fifty years' supply they would do it Is cheaper (laughter). That was the only answer they got-he spoke from experience as a chair- man of the Finance Committee for nine years. Some gentlemen said. Why don't you get them locally ? Well. they had tried that, and the only thing the local man said was that he got them from the man who made them. The local man had a commission, no doubt, but lie did not let the guardians have them any cheaper (laughter). The question of redeeming the fee farm Tent, said Mr Price-Davies, he had brought up a year or two ago, when it was referred for inquiry. They never heard any more about, it. As far as he remembered, Mr Pryce was to inquire, and lie said he would— The Clerk: You have rather taken me by surprise, sir (laughter). It's a big ques- tion the terms are embodied in a deed. which I have m my possession. But I haven't gone through it. It was much better to redeem such small payments, said Mr Price-Davies, and have clone with them. Also the purchase of but- ter was excessive. A letter had been read from somebodv (Mr Thomas, grocer, Mont- SZerx) X offered to sell butter to the workhouse at 81d, and the letter apparentlj never reached the acting master it was intended. It was a fact thatthey had been paying lid, lOd, and 9d a lb. for butter. This man had 2 OFFERED BUTTER AT B-Id., and tliev had been paying 9d a lb. to the end of June. This was a matter for the Visiting Committee. Vr Pryce Jones: I think the letter was sent to Messrs Jones and Powell, temporary masters, and they never received it. Mr Richard Jones: One of the oversights., I suppose (laughter) Mr Price-Davies: Like the book-keeping, I suppose (smiles). 1 Mr John Edwards: Mr Jones saia a iun- night to-day he never saw the letter. Mr John Anwyl: We had better inquire off Powell and the matron, because it is not a thing tu be looked over it part of our business. That's what we re here for- to do our best in a business-like manner A messenger was despatched for the matron, and meanwhile the list of requisites for the house was read. It included 60 lbs. of butter." "More butter again! exclaimed M. P Mrs Fortune said that the cook had Mr Thorns- letter, and brought it. Powell was out at the time he had it when he came baThe Chairman: Powell had it then?— Powell had it. Mr Powell, the head attendant of the im- beciles, who had been acting as assistant master, next entered the Board-room, and said that lie received Mr Thorns offer of butter at 8d per lb. on the Tuesday night. Before then the order for butter had been PUT WITH THE GROCERY [or t £ Mr Jones." The Chairman: How long had this letter been in the house before you saw it ?- Some time in the evening. This letter was addressed to "Powell and Jones.' I had it. Mrs Fortune gave it to me that night. The order was put on the book for butter mixed up with the groceries, and Mr Jones and Mrs Fortune made an estimate. The ,i n next morning I showed this letter to Mrs Fortune, and told her Thomas was offering- butter at 3d. She said, It ? too late now, it's put up along with Jones." Mr Pryce Jones: This estimate came to this house before the meeting of this Board ?—Yes. Well, then, on the Board morning I was around with the committee, and didn't think about this letter. Mr J.'G. Miller: Was it posted here?— No. It was put on one side. I don't know where. The Chairman: Any more questions ? Mr \Y. Humphreys: I think it is satis- factory. Mr Anwvl: We can reply that the order was made out before the letter reached here. Mr Powell: Because Mr Thomas told me it would be ad, and "Mr Jones" the same, and the order before had been given to Mr Thomas. L L Mr Anwyl: I think that is satisfactory. The Finance Committee's report was duly adapted.

MACHYNLLETH COUNTY COURT. A Timber Case. At Machynlleth County Court, on Satur- day, before His Honour Judge William Evans, James Bernard Hickman, timber merchant, Wellington, Salop, was plaintiff in an action for a breach of contract against Constantine Sophia Margaret Thurston, widow. 25, Edwardth Gardens, London, and Edmund Heatlicote Thurstone, gentleman, 25, Cambridge-road. Brighton. The plaintiff claimed ElOu, money paid upon a considera- tion which had failed. Oil or about Feb- ruary 25th, 1908, plaintiff agreed with the defendants or one of them to purchase from them or one of them timber, 600 larch poles growing in Gwernfrerchan Wood, Pennall, and paid for them at 35 4d per pole, which defendants failed to deliver to plaintiff in accordance with the contract. Plaintiff aban- doned an additional claim of Y.5 12s 6d, the cost of felling. Mr James Shawecross, Wellington, ap- peared for plaintiff, and Mr H. Parry, in- structed by Mr J. C. Hughes, solicitor, Dol- gelley, was for defendants. Counsel for plaintiff said that his client alternatively claimed f-100 for breach of contract. The timber in this wood which was purchased by the defendant was of larch and oak. But his Honour would be concerned with the question of larch only. The wood was on the side of the hill about 50fl to 6UU feet high; at the bottom of the hill was a stream, and a road run through the. wood. They were concerned that day with the measurement of timber only, the customary measurement being four inches quarter girth. The only question was whether the plaintiff had delivered those 1,296 specific poles. The measurable tim- ber the plaintiff had had was 696, leaving 600 measurable poles standing in the wood. Mr J. Hickman, a timber merchant, said that on the 5th of February, 1908, he was in the wood only two or three hours. He did not actually count the poles. Witness then received a letter from Mrs Thurston accepting his offer. They marked 686 along the road, 550 along the brook, and 60 on the top of the wood, making a total of 1,296. Those entries were made by the witness at the time. Mr Morgan did the marking of the trees. He used a drawing knife, except the sixty on the top of the wood, where he used a scribe. Mr Williams and he (wit- ness) told Morgans that lie was to do the felling, as they had a letter from Mrs Thurstone asking that he should do it. As to the hauling, that was to be done by Mr Morgan Jones, the price being Is 6d per pole. Witness met Mrs Thurstone at Shrewsbury, and she complained that she could make more money on the timber. She said she could sell it for £ 500. Witness said. You'd better sell it then, and I will be able to divide the money." Mr Wil- liams and he went up to Penrall, where they both saw Mr Morgan. Witness told him that lie had drawn some wrong poles. He wrote to defendant on September 4th, and stated that there was other timber felled which had not been marked. Wit- ness and his clerk visited the wood on September 9th, and witness pointed out to the haulier the wrong timber that was felled. He showed him the timber that had been marked and which had not been marked, and told him not to haul any more from that part. Witness, Mr Brown. Mr Morgans, and Mrs Thurstone attended the wood on the 16th of September, and witness showed defendant (Mrs Thurstone) the poles that had not been marked, and also the poles that had been marked and which had not been felled. Sixty on the top of the wood and 500 below the road. Cross-examined by Mr Parry, witness said that he had been in the timber trade all his life. He bought those trees on a certain average. They were both measura- ble and larch poles. He did not intend buying rails—those were small trees. They finished marking on the 29th of March. He always paid Morgan for the felling. Mr Brown, a clerk in the employ of plain- tiff, said that on the 9th of September lie went with the last witness and Mr Morgan Jones to Pennall. They found a considera- ble number of trees not marked which had been felled. Cross-examined by Mr Parry, witness said some were at the station now. William S. Hall said he was one of the four who went round counting the trees. They marked all with the drawing knife, with the exception of the sixty on the top, which were marked with a scribe. Sixty trees were still standing. Cross-examined, witness said that there was a large number which were recently marked. John Williams, Llanidloes, said he was asked by Mrs Thurstone to sell a number of trees" for her. Witness counted 1,296. He was in the wood as late as yesterday (Friday), and he identified 60 not cut down. Witness examined the timber on the ground. There was a great number ot poles not marked. Cross-examined, witness said lie did not see anyone mark any timber. They had marked the trees about five feet from the ground, but there were some cut about two feet from the ground. John Roberts, surveyor and lecturer on forestry, Bangor, said that there were sixty cut by a scribe. They were meas- urable timber. Below the road there were a number standing. There would be 1,000 measurable and the others larch poles. He found a lot not marked. Most of the trees were marked five feet from the ground, but there were others about two feet from J. the ground. The trees marKeci iwo ieei from the ground were done recently. That closed the evidence for the prose- CUEvan Davies, a woodman, said helmet Mr David Morgan in the Pennall Wood, and they measured for two days. Witness could not finish, and so he sent Rees in his place. „ m t.+ Cross-examined by Mr Shawecross, wit- ness said he saw some trees standing in the distance. Hugh Rees, a timber man, said he went to Penhall to measure some timber. He saw Mr David Morgan. He had instruc- tions to cut the small trees, making about 1UO to 200. Edward Davies, a feller, said he did not see anyone mark any more trees than were marked. Mr Hickman told him to have them all down. He was engaged with Morgans. His Honour gave a verdict for plaintiff with costs.

CAERSWS SESSIONS. These sessions were held at the Union on Monday, when the Magistrates present were Messrs E. B. Proctor (presiding), Edward Jones, Evan Jones, Joseph Davies, Major Bignell and Colonel Baskerville. WARNING TO LIGHTLESS CYCLISTS. John Evans, carpenter, James Thomas, labourer. Richard Stephens, labourer, and David Woosnam, Railway Station, all of Llandinam, were charged by P.C. Hamer with having ridden bicycles with- out lights on the 6th of July. The constable said that on this date about 10-30 p.m. he was returning from Llandinam when he met the four defendants by the lodge leading to Plasdinam. None of them had lights on their bicycles. Three of the defendants stopped, but the other one went on. Defendants said to witness that they were very sorry they had no oil. 014cf the defendants had no lamp. Witness had had several complaints about people riding without lights. The police did not want to press the case bub to put a stop to the practice. The defendants were dismissed with a caution. DEFAULTING FARMERS. David Roberts, Dramendu, farmer, Trefeglwys, was charged by P.C. Hamer with having removed on the 25th June, 16 lambs from an infected area to an uninfected area without a license. The officer said that on June 25th defendant re- moved 16 lambs from Dramendu, Trefeglwys, an infected area, to Caersws, an utiinfected area, without a license. Defendant: I called at P.C. Parry's and asked if a license was required to go to the auction, and he replied, Yes." I said I would call the next morning for a license, and I did so, but Mr Parry was not in. I asked Mrs Parry, who came to the door, if she could do anything for me and she said "No." On the auction day I looked out for Mr Parry at vJaersws, but unfortunately was unable to find him. I then entered the field, but no one asked me for a license. I told P.C. Hamer all about it. If anyone had asked me for a license I would have turned back home. Mr Edward Jones: What day did you go for the license ?—The day before the auction, sir. I told P.C. Hamer at Caersws or perhaps he wouldn't have found me out yet (smiles). A fine of Is and costs was imposed upon defend- ant. Also a fine of Is and costs was inflicted upon .Edward Davies, Brynderwen Village, for a like offence. A LENIENT SENTENCE. A larceny case was next heard, in which Lawton Tudor, New-street, Caersws, was charged by P.C. Hamer with having stolen £ 5-from tha Unicorn Hotel on July 8th. t Mrs Ford, the landlady at the Hotel, said she remembered Thursday, July 8th, when defendant came into her house about one o'clock. He asked for a glass of ale and she supplied him with one, Defendant owed her some money and she asked him if he could not pay a little on account. He gave her 2s, which witness put in the drawer, locked it, and put the key on the shelf. In the drawer were a few coppers and a purse which contained about .£5. The prisoner saw her lock the drawer. After serving him she left the bar. Defendant was the only one there. She returned in about twenty minutes time when prisoner had gone, and going in the drawer she fonnd that the purse was missing. Defendant was the last man in the house before she missed the money. She sent her son for him, and the prisoner came back with him. She told him that she had lost the purse from the drawer. Defendant said to her, I hope you do not think me a thief," and she replied, No." Witness always thought a lot of defendant but was obliged to send for the police. Defendant said he had not taken it. Then witness sent her son for the police. The Clerk Have you any question to ask Mrs Ford ? Prisoner: No, sir. George Ford, the son of the last witness, said that his mother called him on the day in question and told him that she had lost her purse and also informed him who had been in the house last. Witness then went for defendant, who came back with him, but witness did not stay with his mother and defendant whilst they were conversing. Witness was then sent for the police. He was present when prisoner was searched. There was in the purse when it was missed £ 2 10s in gold £ 2 12s in silver, and 2 Jd in coppers. Mr Evan Jones: Was the purse there?—No, sir. It has not been recovered yet. P.C. Hamer said that in the presence of Mrs Ford and George Ford he searched prisoner and found in his hip pocket X2 10s in a purse; in the trousers pocket he found .£2 12s in silver, and 2 id in coppers, amounting to X5 2s 2jd. Witness then charged the prisoner with stealing .£5, the property of Mrs Ford. Defendant denied the offence and was then locked up. Defendant said to witness when coming from Shrewsbury," 1 have done nothing of the sort. I received my own money, X2 7s 6d, and I had 3s or 4s in my pocket before I received my pay." Witness said that defendant only earned 18s a week. When he was conveying defendant from the cell the latter's two sisters advised him to speak the truth about it. Defendant told his youngest sister that he had taken it. Witness asked him what about the purse and he replied, I've burnt it." The Clerk Do you plead guilty or not guilty ? Defendant: Guilty, sir. The Clerk: Do you wish to be dealt with summarily or by a jury. a The Defendant: Summarily, sir. ¥ Defendant then said I was in the worse of drink at that time. It is the first time I have been here and I hope it will be the last time. The Chairman What is prisoner's character P P.C. Hamer: I am sorry to say, sir, he is very fond of his drink. The Bench, after a little consultation, bound prisoner over for the next twelve months in the sum of £ 5.

The Tory Leader on Evan Roberts. When he was preparing his presidential address for the recent meeting of the National Eisteddfod in London, Mr Balfour consulted one of the most distinguished Welsh members of Parliament as to the line of thought that should be followed on such an occasion. In the course of his conversa- tion with the Welsh M.P., Mr Balfour inquired what had become of Mr Evan Roberts, the Welsh revivalist. The Welsh member asked the Conser- vative leader if he was interested in him. In- terested," was Mr Balfour's reply, "why when the revival was going on I read everything I could lay my hands on, so interested I was in its pro- gress." The Welsh M.P. then asked Mr Balfour to tell him what opinion he had formed of Mr Evan Roberts, and his answer was I regard him as a religious genius, whose work is beyond criti- cism."

A CLERGYMAN'S LANGUAGE. Uproar at Forden Rural Council. Berriew School Water Supply. A Motion That Failed. There was another field-day at the July meeting of the Forden Rural Council over the Berriew Church of England school water supply, and, thanks to the observations of a clergyman coun- cillor, feeling waxed very warm at one stage. Every sign pointed to prospects of an oratorical storm but for a raling which the Chairman gave, I but which was not accepted without considerable badgering. The attendance consisted of the following members: Messrs William Pritchard (presiding), Richard Jones, Edward Davies, William Rogers, John Jones, Edward Davies, William Rogers, John Davies, and John Edwards. The Revs E. H. Beattie (vicar of Leighton) and D. E. Rowlands (vicar of Middletown and Great Wollaston), Captain Corbett-Winder, Messrs J. G. Miller, J T. Ward. R. Tanner (Hyssington), and R. S. Holloway (Snead). Reading the minutes of the last meeting, the Clerk announced that the Rev D. E. Rowlands gave notice of motion that the resolution passed by the Council on November 4th be adhered to, and the resolution passed on June 16th be rescinded." Mr Edward Dalies questioned whether the notice of resolution had been given to the Council last time. The Clerk answered yes, and produced the written notice signed by D. Ellis Rowlands, Walter Colley, and I. T. Ward. Mr Davies repliel that that was NOT READ AT THE MEETING. The Clerk said that the notica would be covered by the standing ordsr that notice must be given at the meeting cr ten days before the next meeting. Mr Davies: The oinutes are a record of what passed at the Council, and that was not passed. It was not read out &t the Council. The Clerk Yes. It can be on the minutes, if not read, if it is givea. The Rev D. E. Rowlands: As a matter of fact it did take place at the Council because I gave verbal notice and a written notice afterwards. Mr Davies But it was not read to the Council. The Rev D. E. lowlands (emphatically): I gave a verbal notice, Mr Davies (laughter): Mr Davies I know that (more laughter). Mr John Edwards: Do you say, Mr Pryce, it is not in order ? The Clerk It's a tuestion for the Chairman. Mr Edwards: YJU. instruct the Chairman, anyway. The Clerk: I was premature in interfering. I'm sorry I did (laughter). The Rev D. E. Rowlands moved that the minutes be passed as read. This was carried, six voting for, and against only Mr Edward Daies, who observed, I would rather be by myself rght than with a lot wrong (laughter). When the Council came to the item on the agenda giving the m<tion of which the Rev D. E. Rowlands gave notice, the Chairman said I have had some misgivings about that, whether or not it is in order. I am found to say I don't think it is in order in the forrt it is down here. You can't rescind resolutions like this. We can't make ducks and drakes of our minute books. I think the proper course voiild be to give notice of motion and have the natter discussed at a future Board. I certainly tHnk that it would be clearly out of order to rescint a decision, as it were, CLEARLY 3UT OF ORDER to my mind. It is irue that on November 4th there was no notice, End on June 16th there was no notice. But two blacks don't make a white. Looking at the things it is now, I am of opinion that you cannot prockecl with it. It is quite com- petent for Mr Rowljnds or anyone else to give notice of motion and lave it discussed at a future meeting. The Rev D. E. Rowands But, Mr Chairman, I have given notive of flotion, 14 days' clear notice, given in writing anc signed by three members. According to the striding orders, it is necessary for the rescission ot that motion that notice should be given, ant I quite fail to apprehend, Mr Chairman,, on what grounds you refuse to rule this motion in order ij-day. The rescission of the motion is clearly ir. Mr John Davies: Iriae to a point of order, Mr Chairman. I thiak then a Chairman has given a ruling the business i: over. No member has any right to challenge "hst ruling or any right to speak. The Rev D. E Ronalds May I ask the Clerk's opinion on the matte. ? The Chairman: Its a question of order. The Chairman has the rulng ou questions of order. Mr J. G. Miller: Bib aren't we in order to ask the Chairman for hisdefinition of the ruling ? The Chairman: 'ou must pardon me, Mr Miller. In my opinien this notice, as it stands, is clearly out of order. Mr Miller: But yo, haven't given reasons. The Chairman It s quite open to you, or any one else, if you wish b move, to start from to-day. Rev D. E. Rowland: But why from to-day ? The Chairman: I* my opinion this is not in order. Mr John Davies lrise to a point of order — Rev D. E. Rowlands (turning to Mr John Davies) WHY DON'T YOU SIT DOWN as well as myself, MrDavies ? Mr Davies: I hav9j, perfect right to rise to a point of order. Whn the Chairman has given his ruling on a certai thing that is finished with. Rev D. E. Rowlnds: But we can make inquiries and ask foiexplanations, surely? The Chairman appears tobe quite silent, and has no word in defence of hi; conduct, which I think is quite extraordinary. Mr John Edwards It is great wisdom on the part of the Chairman,! think. The Chairman: I bke given my ruling. That disposes of it. Rev E. H. Beattie: I respect the Chairman's ruling. But might I bring forward a motion? I think you will all skee this sort of thing has brought out rather ba feeling, and we get a bit heated. I don't thiflt any heat ever comes to good business. I apfcal to you all to bear me out in this motion—hat in future no motion which has been Pased can afterwards be rescinded at any meting without due notice being given. I don; like to use the word sides," because I thnk we are all here to do our duty- I am surethat is out first aim and object. But I* have toise the word side," and what is fair for one ide to do is fair for the other. I appeal to yoUHil in the name of getting on with the business aft work to back me up in this motion. The Clerk: That is Iready on the Standing Orders with regard to lotices of motion passed within the preceding S\ months. Do you wish to extend that to more iÄ.an six months ? Rev E. H. Beattie 1\s, sir. What I want to prevent is for either sidØto take a snap majority. Either side may do it-f lon't want to take sides. Rev D. E. Rowlands: Hake it what you mean is that the same rule sbSl apply as in the Board of Guardians. Rev E. H. Beattie Ye. Rev D. E. Rowlands: I that is the case I have the greatest pleasure i& seconding the motion. The UNSCRUPULOUS, HE AN, UNDER- HANDED WAY— This condemnation by t Vicar of Middletown produced an uproar and lold cries of No No! The Rev E. H. Beattie's vpce was also prominent in protest against his cleri(ti colleague, and after exclaiming a hearty "O Oh!" Mr Beattie observed What I have sp^en I have only spoken OR the side of fair play, alidl think that you will all agree with me I am on iÄ.e side also of keeping down any ill-feeling in tks Board. We are friends here, and we are bEle to do business not to stir up ill-feeling. Mr John Edwards (referng to Mr Rowlands' remarks) I was very sory, Mr Chairman, to hear such words being ilsq. In the 36 or 37 years I've been here I h&e never heard such remarks used here. Rev D. E. Rowlands: M8- it be possible that in the 37 years you have n here you haven't seen such conduct to cause slph remarks ? Mr Edwards: I can't sit wn and hear such remarks. Mr John Davies: I think«JXr Chairman, that Mr Rowlands is carrying tA thing too far. I quite agree with Mr Edwards. I am not prepared as a member of the Council tA sanction language of that kind without taking serious notice of it- that members of this Council have acted in an unscrupulous, mean, and underhanded— Rev D. E. Rowlands: Yes, Mr Davies, and I am prepared to prove it. Mr John Davies: That language is not the kind that should be used at a public body against other members of that body. I strongly resent it. I agree with Mr Beattie. The Chairman I was hoping after Mr Beattie's remarks that Mr Rowlands would withdraw it. The Rev D. E Rowlands: Do you wish me to withdraw my remarks ? The Chairman: Yes. The Rev D. E. Rowlands Very well. If you wish me to do it, I will. ILli Miller: I should like to ask one question, HOW ARE WE TO GIVE NOTICE in rescinding a motion ? The Chairman You can give notice to-day for a new motion. The Rev D. E. Rowlands: It was given last time-sigued by three iflembers. Mr John Davies I take it, once a resolution is rescinded by a Council we are placed back in exactly the same position as we were before the motion was passed. (The Rev E. H. Beattie: Yes). The Rev D. E. Rowlands Let's start to-day. Shall I bring forward my motion ? The Rev E. H. Beattie: No. Mr Miller There's no reason The Clerk The resolution on the 4th of Novem- ber was that: No further reply having been received from the Education Authority, Mr Hurlbutt moved and the Rev D. E. Rowlands seconded that the Council take the necessary steps to enforce a proper supply of water for Berriew School. Mr Edward Davies proposed an amendment and Mr Richard Jones seconded that the matter be adjourned for a month to await a reply from the Education Authority. The motion was carried. The Chairman: I take it, Mr Rowlands wishes to reinstate and give notice of the first part. The Rev D.E. Rowlands: That's what I wish to give effect. The Chairman You can give notice of that. The Rev D. E. Rowlands: You ruled to-day's motion out of order. Is there anything to prevent you, if we do the same thing, to prevent us bring- ing it forward again ? The Chairman Mr Pryce will prepare a notice if you like. Mr John Davies I don't think Mr Rowlands is entitled to ask for that information. If he hands a notice in, the Chairman will say whether it is in order. Mr Miller: I think it is fair for any member to know that, if he is ignorant. The Rev D. E. Rowlands We are quite ignor- ant. There is nothing educational about it (laughter). You won't tell us how to do it properly. The Chairman: You can START AFRESH FROM TO-DAY and pass a new resolution. It is quite competent for you to give notice to-day to move that the trustees be given notice that a water supply be provided. The Rev D. E. Rowlands: Why cannot we give it now ? The Chairman You must give notice. The Rev D. E. Rowlands: Not according to the standing orders. The Chairman I insist on notice being given —[The Rev E. H. Beattie Hear, hear.] The Rev D. E. Rowlands: Will you kindly instruct the Clerk to draw up the notice ? Mr John Davies I object (laughter). The Rev D. E. Rowlands: So as to be certain it is quite in order (laughter). The Clerk I am afraid if this is done, and it is objected to next time, the blame will be on the Clerk's shoulders. Mr John Edwards: If this work goes on, and a thing is passed at one meeting and rescinded at the next meeting, we shall never do anything. Mr Miller I should like to know very much- The Chairman (to the Clerk) Correspond- ence The Rev D. E. Rowlands: When will the next Council meeting be ? Mr Edwards A month to-day. The Council decided, however, to hold no meet- ing in August, so that there will be a breathing space of two months on thp Berriew School question.

2!d. Per Head. 2 NURSES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN. "A VERY HUMANE THING." Recently the Educational Executive Committee received terms from various District Associations for the services of their nurses in aiding the work of medical inspection of school children. The Executive recommended that the several com- mittee be offered 10s 6d for every average attendance of 50 or less. Last Monday the Chairman (Mr Richard Jones) said that to inspect all the schools of the county on this scale would cost X103 for nurses. In the town schools, where there were Nursing Associa- tions, it would work out as follows :— Machynlleth, Council and C. E. Schools, .£4 14s 6d. The Nursing Committee there asked for X10 per annum. Llanidloes, two schools, X5 15s 6d. They asked for J210. Newtown, four schools, .£11 Os 6d. They only asked for X10 10s, which was a good deal more reasonable- Mr Richard Phillips: As we always are (laughter). Llansantffraid and Llanfechain Schools, con- tinued the Chairman, £ 2 2s— Mr E. S. Perrott: There are three schools there, and rather far apart. The Chairman You haven't specified what you want.—Yes, we wantX5 subscription. Christ Church, Gungrog, and Belan Schools, £ 6 16s 6d," continued the Chairman. I don't think we have a communication from Welshpool. And Montgomery, one school, .£1 11s 6d. It will be X3 3s for Llansantffraid on our scale, showing a total cost per annum of .£32 Os 6d for super- vision of the town schools and also the Llansant- ffraid district." Their difficulty, added, the Chairman, was with the country schools, where there were No NURSING ASSOCIATIONS. Eventually probably the matter would be simpli- fied, when the maternity nurses were established in the county, as they hoped they would be in the country districts. But it will get a costly matter, if all the country schools get supervision —J8103! Therefore, I suggest that the scale should be for one year only, and subject to revision at the end of the year to see how we work. I throw out a suggestion to the ladies of the Education Committee that if they could organize supervision of the country districts I am sure they would do a very humane thing." Mr Edward Powell said there had been formed a North Wales Nursing Assoeiation, which pro- posed to get nurses trained in the hope of inducing various country districts to have trained nurses. It would be well to encourage the formation of these Associations, and he should be sorry if the Committee in any way showed a disposition to be miserly with the Associtions. The District nurses did an immense amount of good, and it would be a very great help to the children to have the nurses attending the medical men when examining the children to learn all about their homes, and in many cases to get an intro- duction to the homes. He hoped that the New- town and Welsbpool nurses would visit the neighbouring country schools, so as to extend the area benefited by their services. Mrs Humphreys-Owen, Colonel Pryce-Jones, and Mr Charles Shuker supported the Chairman's motion, which was adopted.

Selection of School Managers. Mr Daniel Howell, Llanbrynmair, moved the appointment of a list of eight popularly elected school managers at a meeting of the Montgomery- shire Education Committee last Monday:- Aberhosan: Messrs Richard Hughes, Rhosy- garreg; William Evans, Penyglog; William Bebb Hughes, Llwyngronfa; and Mr Richard Ashton, Aberhosan. Llanwrin: Messrs Edward Hughes, Mathafarn William Jones, Coed-ddol; Evan Evans, Aber- ffrwdlan; and the Rev. John Williams, Arfwyn. These were adopted, together with Mr Evan Andrew, Garreglwyd, on the Board of Managers of Aberhafesp Church of England School, in place of Mr Samuel Morgan; and Mr Edward Morgan, Graiglas, for Llangynog Council School, in place of the late Mr John Richards.

A SERIES OF SNAPS. The Expenditure on Council Schools. Messrs Lomax and Addie's Attacks. A Difficulty at Caersws. Representatives of rent-receivers had another innings at the County Education Committee last Monday as champions of the ratepayers and pleaders for economy." The first snap took place over an item of R7 103 for railings for Aberhafesp Council school. Mr Forrester Addie asked was this an extra. Tho Chairman (Mr Richard Jones) answered that it was. Mr Addie: So they have begun again (laughter). I wonder when will they stop. Snap No. 2 arose over Llanfair Council school. Mr John Lomax asked was the water supply in entire order. The County Surveyor (Mr G. A. Hutchins) answered no, that the Inspector had directed certain work to be done and a filter tank put in the playground, which formed the subject of a recent estimate to the Executive. The water of the old well had been analyzed and pronounced fit to drink, subject to the well being protected with a fence, and that a new suction pipe be laid down. Mr Lomax Are these all extras?- Thev are the ordinary hygenic arrangements of the school. They are not extras to any contracts. Mr Lomax (sharply) Additions and alterations and extras! The County Surveyor: Repairs and bad work done previously. Mr Lomax: I quite agree with you. Snap No. 3 again was uttered by Mr Forrester iddie upon a minute from the Executive Com- mittee, asking that additional loans be com- pleted for work done at the following schools:— Llangurig Council, e63 2s Id Cwm (Llanllugan) Council, .£90 10s lid; Llanfyllin Council, .£84 lis 9d; Caersws Council, X781 19s 10d; Carno Council, Y,123 10s Od Dernol Council, X267 lls 6d; Llanfair Council, X63 Os Od; Llangynog Council ( £ 86 in hand), £51. Os Od. In the case of Caersws school, however, the loan to be fpr £ 284 19s lOd onjy for the present. Mr Addie said they should have some explana- tion from the Chairman as to this expenditure, which would bear a good deal of consideration by the committee. They had already spent the loans applied for, totalling £ 4,088; he did not know whether it was done by resolution of the Execu- tive Committee or of the Education Authority, but they had spent .£729 above this loan, and were asking for a fresh supply of Xl,530, or 30 to 40 per cent. in addition to the original loan. He wondered when the committee were going to put a stop to this. He should also like to know whether tenders had been received, or how the amounts wete arrived at, and whether sanction had been given by the Executive Committee or the Council or the Surveyor, or whether the Surveyor had down it off his own bat, or whether he bad sanction for that large expenditure. The Execu- tive Committee should give very grave and careful consideration to this very large expenditure. I for one object to it very strongly," said Mr Addie. The Chairman: I may say that the Executive Committee have SANCTIONED ALL THE EXTRAS, and with respect to the amount, I don't know after all that it is very large in comparison with the sum expended. I know there is a general complaint in the counties of North Wales about the amounts spent in extras. Anybody who has had large experience in building, and especially in repairing old schools, knows it is very difficult to make specifications to cover the whole expendi- ture, because when you go to interfere with old buildings something continually crops up. And in this case they are mostly cases of repairs to old schools. I don't think there is anything further to be said. Colonel Pryce-Jones: Those are the non-church schools, aren't they ? And, of course, we are not put to this expense with the Church schools. Captain Devereux Myiton: I visited Caersws some time ago, and I really don't see where the money is to come from—(smiles)—what the money is wanted for. There is put down in this estimate .£500 for a water supply. The Rural District Council is liable to supply water to Caersws.—[Mr Addie: Hear, hear.]—The rate- payers will be called upon to pay this .-£500 for the water to the schools, and the ratepayers of Caersws will be called upon to pay for water to the village. It is in the first place the duty of the Rural District Council to find the water supply—[Mr Addie Hear, hear],—and let it on to the school, and we should not be spending money twice over. Mr Hugh Lewis: I think the Executive Com- mittee had referred this matter back-they did not recommend £ 500— Colonel Pryce-Jones Not at present. Mr Hugh Lewis: Not at present, and I should very strongly object to spending money for their interest. It is the DUTY OF THE DISTRICT to supply water to it, and I think the matter is at present in the hands of the Council. It is our duty to force the hands of the Rural District Council. I think it is monstrous to have to spend that money to supply the school with water, when the same amount of money will supply the whole village with water. The Chairman No, that is not quite correct. The Rural District Council have had a Local Government Board Inspector down to see whether water can be brought to Caersws at a reasonable sum. Well, the result of his visit was that he reported on a scheme which would cost some- where about £ 2,500, and it would involve a rate on the parish of Llanwnog of 9d in the X to bring water to Caersws. Well, the sum is simply pro- hibitive, and in this cost of .£500 the County Surveyor includes getting the water from a place about three-quarters of a mile from the villager- The County Surveyor 2,200 yards. Mr Lomax: Why shouldn't the village get water from the same place ? Mr R. Jones There isn't a sufficient supply. Captain Mytton: Where did the Romans get their water from ? (loud laughter) The County Surveyor From wells, sir. Colonel Pryce-Jones asked that the words for the present" be left out. The Chairman No! The Colonel: Yes, leave those out. You are taking the sanction of the Committee now for the full amount. You will do what you like. The Chairman We are only asking for £ 284. On the motion of Captain Myttor, seconded by Mr Hugh Lewis, and supported by Mr Addie, the .£500 was deleted, and the Executiva's RECOMMENDATION WAS THEN CARRIED. Presently, Mr Addie again returned to the attack. Were the estimates, he asked, by the Surveyor, or were they actually based on tenders received ? The County Surveyor: By the Surveyor. Mr Addie: Supposing these are something like previous estimates of the Surveyor, are these amounts likely to prove sufficient ? It seems to me, if we rely on the estimates of the Surveyor without their being tested by tenders of contrac- tors, we may be in the same difficulty and have further extras coming on at a future meeting. With regard to the extras not being much, any- one who has had any experience at all will agree that extras amounting to 35 or 40 per cent. of the original sum ara very large, and much too large for a business-like committee. Mr Charles Shuker hoped that the Committee would net pass matters in a haphazard style. But the Chairman assured him that the various items would be brought up separately again—the amounts were simply put approximately for the purposes of the loan.

+ At Criggin there is a Church of England day schcol attended by only nine scholars. After some discussion, last Monday, the Montgomeryshire Education Authority decided to close it after the end of the approaching summer holidays, and to give notice to the mistress and caretaker to ter- minate their engagements. The Executive will take into consideration the question of conveying some of the children to the nearest school.

Birmingham Wool Sale. The annual sale was conducted by Messrs Lythall and Walters on Tuesday last, in conjunc- tion with the Butchers' Hide and Wool Co. There vas a good attendance of buyers from, all parts. Shropshire tegs made up to 131d. wethers up to 12fd, Hampshires up to Hid, unwashed wool up to 9td, Welsh up to Sd, and Scotch upto 6d. t

GOLF GOSSIP.. Impressions of the Champion at Machynlleth. (By COLONEL FOOZLER). It was a brave company that followed th& Champion and Cooper over the Machynlleth links bhat sullen, soaking morning when Jup Pluv gushed forth and drenched all who dared out without their thickest Macks and widespread- • ing gighams. Ladies tripped the sodden turf through belts of dripping bracken, and raced the up and downs 'midst torrential showers with the pluck which golf enthusiasm alone can generate. What cared we for weeping skies while the world's greatest golfer was exhibiting his marvellous powers for our special entertainment and, shall I say, instruction In common, no doubt, with others, I had a keen eye for champion stance, swing, leg and bodily movement, and wrist work in all manner of strokes, but, ah how difficult it is to attain like results from th9 practice of such seemingly easy operations. Rome was not built in a day, nor are Taylor's developed in a season. Yet this was the Taylor whom ten years back I first saw upon one of the classic links north of the Tweed, now play- ing with even greater brilliance than then. Age cannot wither his pre-eminence, nor endless con- tests stale his infinite variety of masterful play. He is still the doyen of the glorious game, the delight of the world of golf which extends o'er every sea and continent, the greatest of that great triumvirate, and together with his close friend, Jimmy Braid, forms a combination as yet uncon- quered. What did we care though it torrented t. Cooper, the Aberdovey pro. made an admirable opponent to the Champion, against whom he had played before. This intimacy precluded any tendency to nervousness which must naturally afflict even the best of players who confront our champions in presence of a critical audience, and Cooper rose splendidly to the occasion. Only two strokes were his arrears at the close of the contest. and considering the character of the weather, the condition of the green, one or two of which have been only recently laid, and also his limited opportunities for practice, an 80 was decidedly creditable. His driving was clean, well-timed and directed, if it lacked the power of the Champion's, and but for occasional faultiness in approach, he might have squared the game. Cooper is distinctly a popular exponent. His perennial smile even in the most vexatious diffi- culties is a useful study in self-restraint—that virtue which so often triumphs over superior skill-and his genial companionship has made him a universal favourite. As I observed last week, if Cooper enjoyed the practice given to most pros." he would be surpassed by precious few golfers in in these parts. I have extracted a promise from him to come up to Newtown, where he shall have a worthy welcome. It was a positive delight to note with what 3uperb confidence the Champion handled every club and faced every lie." His driving was a. revelation in wrist work. He did not indulge the full swing so finely described by Cooper, yet he invariably got a longer ball. Take Taylor's hand. feal that hearty grip from a full-fleshed fist, and you can ever afterwards understand what tre- mendous work he can get out of those wrists that look like bars of iron. And what an excellent judge he is, too, of the prevailing conditions of the- moment, atmospheric and otherwise. He seems to grasp them all in that brief gaze as he stands over the ball, the while exercising his wrists instead of, as in our case, making a twigglmg- address. Once or twice, certainly, he pulled a bit, and was lucky to escape punishment, but the best constructed machine will occasionally kink. On the whole his exhibition was magnificent, capti- vating—worthy of the British and French champion. ———— If it was grand in the morning, it was grander still in the afternoon, when his score of 71 was made up of three 5's, eleven 4's (seven in succes- sion), and four 3's. That score, I fancy, will stick as the record for some years to come, not- withstanding the improving nature of the course. Those who followed him will not readily forget that charming iron shot which carried him straight as an arrow through the rock-bound pas& to the sixth green, where he holed in four. It was a beauty that ought to have been photo- graphed. But for the virgin character of the greens, which rendered abortive many capital putts, that score of 71 might have been consider- ably reduced. The champion was in rare putting form, and so it was tantalising to witness re- peatedly the ball's saucy flirtation with the cup. In the course of a chat after the match the champion assured me that the Machynlleth links will prove a first class course with an expendituia of plenty of labour and a little money. The fun- damental consideration, he said, of a golf course is greens as perfect as they can be made for on the green the match between players of equal merit is lost or won." He also attaches great importance to the character of the immediate surroundings of the greens, remarking it is unfair that a well placed and well judged approach shot should be deflected by irregularities at that vital stage of the game." He is not opposed to any kind of hazards and bunkers, but the green surroundings he regards as of only second in importance to the greens themselves. The fencing cf greens he opposes wherever it is possible to do without such protection, because it necessitates local rules that may transgress the laws of the game. On these three aspects Mr Taylor speaks decisively, and the Machynlleth Club will, no doubt, respect his advice. The spectators were also greatly interested in the performances of the young pro's," Lewis, of Newtown, and Gadd, of Towyn, who kept up very creditably with their more experienced partners. Gadd has a fine free style of driving, and gives promise of developing first class golf. Lewis evidently felt the honour and also the responsi- bility of partnering the champion just a trifle too much for his nerves, but the crowd saw a young player whom they fancied and hope to hear more of. I am glad to know that the champion speaks well of him. A friendly match between Lewis and Cooper on the Newtown links would provide an attractive entertainment for county golfers, and I trust it will be arranged soon, for the Aberdovey "pro" has troops of admirers throughout the shire.. ————— I must not omit to mention the most prominent figure among the spectators-Lord Herbert Vane- Tempest. His Lordship, at whose expense the champion came to Machynlleth, laid himself out for the enjoyment of the gathering, and he must feel repaid by the knowledge of their hearty appreciation of his kindness and generosity. Under his auspices golf at Machynlleth should flourish. Would that every golf club in the- county had such a patron. His Lordship, I know, will not care to see it in print, but I am to take- the liberty of stating that besides gifting a hand- some money present to the champion he made a most acceptable present to each of the other three pros in recognition of their fine performances. Nor must I forget to express the thanks of the. delighted crowd to Dr A. O. Davies, who did not spare himself for their entertainment. His happy presence was like a shaft of sunshine through the rain, and with his characteristic courtesy to all he made a most admirable lieutenant to Lord Herbert. With equal assiduity, Mr Leighton, the. hon. secretary, laboured for the success of the- function, and most successfully did he play his onerous part. So, too, did all the members of a capable and enthusiastic committee. The Mach- ynlleth Club cannot attain to greater sucoess than I wish for it. Cirsumstances have denied me the pleasure of writing much lately, but I promise more regular contributions in future, encouraged as I am by numerous appreciative references to this column.

The demise of the Marquis of Ripon occurred, on Friday evening, heart failure being the imme- diate cause. The deceased statesman was one of the most stalwart champions of Liberalism, and a. life-long friend and supporter of Mr Gladstone. In the inner counsels of Liberalism, particularly: during the latter years of his life, his presence and advice was highly valued. Lord Ripon mad& a successful viceroy of India, and was leader of the Liberal party in the House of Lords up to- last year, when, owing to failing health, he relin- quished his Cabinet appointment as Lord Privj SeaL- <