The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

The Diver's Psril. SHARKS AND OCTOPUS. Ottoman,-themes to recover hidden +hotS1fre+ f1'01'1 sef one o{ the latest is that ju=t formed tor the purpose of salving somejd the numerous wrecks that lie round the South African coast. A company has been promoted with the idea not of engag- ing itself in mere treasure hunting," but Hf recovering the contents of wrecks already located, and in many instances surveyed. A start will be made soon with a suitable steamer, fully-equipped with all the neces- sary diving and salvage apparatus. The ex- pedition will depart under the superintend- ence of a well-known salvage expert-Capt. Charles Gardiner, who will begin bv direct- ing operation., at a spot where a British transport went down with metals and specie valued a: over £ 1,1)00,000. v-ctyidin ^arumer selected a list of 137 of xne more accessible wrecks after searching ceeded^'o 'i Cape has sue* p oi locating 32 of them. sea life"4lTr^ Ciaptain Gardlner h&s led a sea hie aill 0i daring and romance. Mv adventures began with the American Sal- • 'iff 'Z1S'vi,Jra-ting in Calif,)rnia," he tuld a Daiij News representative, "and rh l>nr i^chcal salvage work in China, Australia.southAfrica, and North and South America. I remember once I vvas groping my way inside a sunken vessel, trying to get the cargo out of the hold when a heavy 30ft. beam fell right across my air- pipe and life !im- I cut the life line and fevered the air pipe, holding the end be- tween my fingers, after my allowing mv div- jng suit to fill with exhaust air, when of rprf]Se' ruse t" tlre surface- I was in that perilous position for about ten minutes. of the 1Vet H'ny s'iarfcs at tlie bottom harmlessVl" ,? f0Und ,thcn| watched 18ft..$2* 'A. A :r.L "L.t a..I.l t,,i7rvarfrS%ie "distance of three or 10J1 urds, Of.en when I worked on a wreck a ground Shark. from 3ft. 6in. to 5ft. for cornealy'oi 9 aIon!?s1ide me. whether | ,i T if ini wflrmth I could never tell. In all m. experience I have known y one diver to be attacked, and that was ins own fault. He hit the fish with a crow- u *iave forked by electric light with a school of 12 or 14 sharks glaring at me but they haw never Harmed me. "An octopus is quite different. He will always attack you. I speak from experi- ence, although the particular fellows I have encountered were comparatively small, measuring each about 7ft. across with 3ft. tentacles. My advice to a man who meet5 an octopus is to keep still and allow his .limy body to erawl over you. I remember the last time I met an octopus I signalled to the men in the boat above to send down some dynamite, and when the octopus had crawled into his hole in the rocks I blew him up." OJeTV

Justice Jelf in Merioneth. < As -in Montgomeryshire. Mr Justice Jelf dealt with a heavy criminal calendar at Merioneth Assizes. Alfred Smith, 36. labourer, pleaded guilty to burglariously entering the dwelling house of Mrs Catherine Hughes, at Bala, and stealing one electro-plated spirit kettle, one electro-plated dish cover, and other arti- cles. The prisoner, who had been in the army and against whom there were previous convictions, was sentenced to two months' hard labour. William Thomas, labourer, 55 years of age, of Dyffryn, surrendered to his bail, charged with criminally assaulting Mar- garet Jane Thomas, his daughter. His Lordship said the Act under which Thomas was charged said positively that such cases should be tried in camera, and accordingly the court was cleared of all persons except the officials. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to three years' penal servitude. William Jones, 19, labourer, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mary Hughes at Llanfor. A sentence of one month's imprisonment was passed. For stealing seven pounds of horse hair and one linen jacket, Thomas Jones, 32, a sailor, was sent to prison fur six months' hard labour. John Francis Edwards, 32, engineer, pleaded guilty to breaking into a house at Llanfair and stealing several articles of silver and other goods. The' prisoner, who had a very bad record, was sent to prison for twelve months. Robert Byles, 26, shoemaker, for stealing a pair of field glasses, the property of Mr John Owen, Talsarnau, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. Charles Frederick Trinnaman, 33, ware- houseman, pleaded guilty to entering the dwelling house of Mr Edwin Griffith, at Llanenddwyn, and stealing one silver watch. Taking into consideration the pris- oner's good character, he was bound over in the sum of £5 to come up for judgment if called upon, the Judge remarking that he hoped the prisoner would in future lead a better life and become a good citizen. Jones Jones, 57, tailor, for stealing a razor, a pair of gloves, and a boot brush from Penmount, Festinio-g, was sent to prison for twelve months.

Farmers and Sheep Dipping. 0 Montgomeryshire farmers will read with interest the following observations on sheep 7 dipping by Agrestis :— If this operation were as thoroughly car- ried out as it ought to be, we have no doubt that the complete eradication of sheep scab would very soon be an accomplished fact. it has not already been eradicated for, we think, two reasons—first and foremost, there are still some few flockowners who neglect to dip their sheep thoroughly at least twice each year. The other reason is one to which we desire to draw the special atten- tion of every flock-master. From our ob- servation, which may say extends all over the country, we are convinced that in a. very large number of instances those who dip sheep to a large extent fail to secure the iu|l benefit- that ought to follow, simply and solely because they neglect to mix their dips properly. Some may question this conclu- sion, but facts are against them. Let any who doubt this take note of the very large amount of sediment they will find either in the dipping bath or adjacent after the dipping has been done. One of the most practical floek-masters we know, who has been a shepherd all his life. and who, we are pleased to say, has risen by his energy, hard work, and perseverance from being a shepherd to being an occupier of a very considerable holding, told us he would guarantee to dip almost any number of siieep and at the conclusion of his dipping •lave practically no residue left in his dip- ping bath. It matters not what kind of dip is used, for the same preparation of the dip is es- sential whether the dip used'is a powder or paste dip. How would you mix the dip ? was the query addressed him. His reply was a simple one. Just as the housemaid mixes her mustard or the painter mixes his Pa^!t~i-e" add to the P°wder or paste just sufficient liquid to make it a wee bit softer, and then, as the matter becomes thoroughly dissolved, add a larger quantity of liquid until all the dip is thoroughly and efficiently dissolved. If this be done, the result will be that when the animal is plunged into its bath it will carry away with it that which the manufacturers of the dips desire it to do, and the result will be that the dip is efficient. On the other hand, when the dips are put into the bath in a rough and ready manner, and not properly and thoroughly dissolved, the animal, it is true, gets a cer- tain amount of the dressing, but all the more valuable parts, and perhaps we had better say all the more essential parts, of the dips are to a large extent left at the bottom of the bath undissolved.

A Cossack girl named Kudaebeff has started to ride from Kharbin to St. Petersburg—a distance of some 5,420 miles. See the ONOTO Window at No. 19, Broad-street. New tow a.

FRIENDLESS GIRLS." Rescue Work in Montgomeryshire. Let us show our neighbours we know that immorality is a ein; let us encourage our ministers to dare to preach on the question, and to show their disapproval. How often do we hear it men- tioaed as a sin ? Why is there such silence on this subject ? What is the use of preaching the Gospel and telling people that their bodies are the Temple of the Holy Ghost, when we dare not openly condemn the overcrowded room, the in- sanitary cottage or the well-known haunt of impurity P This exhortation appears in the second report of the North Wales Association for the Aid of Friendless Girls, whose objects are: 1 Prevention; 2, The Eescue of Fallen Women 3, The care friendless girls found in the workhouses and where. In the Fordeh Union the Associ-_i0 _filv.rfa that it has kept iti touch ^ithtw^oldcaseg P0nQ was doing very well in the ^ome. another wag getting on Well in her sit, on. Miss Qakley a lady guardian, is very kind about helping the girls in many ways. Mrs Beattie, of Leightcn, has taken great interest in a very sad case. Mrs Langford, of Chirbury, tried to persuade a girl to go to a Home, but she refused all help. Mrs James, of Brompton Hall, was much interested in t. girl who had been troublesome, and is now in service. In all these cases individual help is of much practical use. Thanks to the energy of our Representative (Mrs Pryce Davies), a bazaar was held at Marrington Hall, and the splendid result of -030 must have been most gratifying TO ALL WHO HELPED in any way to make it a success. In the Llanfyllin Union the report stated that it has not been possible to help any of the three cases passing through the Workhouse. They had come across five cases. One had gained the case, got an application order, and was now in service. The second, after leaving the Union, was received by an aunt; she won her case and gained an order, but it was disputed and she won it again. She had paid all her own expenses. The third was found destitute, and two of the Guardians appealed to the Society, which made arrangements for the child with a foster mother, where it was doing splendidly, but the mother did net keep her place or pay regularly. The fourth was a difficult case, but the Society hoped they might be able to help and that it would prove satisfactory. The fifth was coming into the Workhouse, and, being feeble-minded, they feared it would be impossible to help her, though it was a very sad case, and they should see if anything could be done. No cases had been helped in the Machynlleth Union. Only one was in the Workhouse. No report had been received from the Newtown and Llanidlces Union, though unfortunately five cases bad passed through the Workhouse. Ending the report with an eloquent appeal for help. Miss Edith Champneys, Llandudno, the hon. secretary ef the Association, says: Let us make a dead-lift effort to get rid of THIS SKY-HIGH CHRISTIANITY of ours, with its head in the intolerable mud. We shall be more full of hopefulness when once a sense of sin has made progress possible, when the whole question is not ignored because it is a dis- agreeable subject; when the men are united, as a great army, to he)p the women of our land to attack the degradation of womanhood from one at least of its great tap-roots." The report closes in a spirit of humble hopeful- ness with Whittier's words Father of all! He urges His strong plea, Thou lovest all: Thy erring child may be Lost to himself, but never lost to Thee. All souls are Thine the wings of morning bear None from that Presence which is everywhere, Nor hell itself can hide, for Thou art there. Through sins of sense, perversities of will, Through doubt and pain, through guilt and shame and ill, Thy pitying eye is on Thy creatures still. Wilt Thou not make, Eternal Source and Goal! In Thy long years life's broken circle whole, And change to praise the cry of a lost soul.

The Oldest Welsh Pastor. The death has occurred of the Rev D. P. Davies, of Penmaenmawr, the oldest Non- conformist pastor in the Principality. Trained at Brecon Independent College, Mr Davies entered the Congregational ministry at Builth in 1849, thus remaining in active pastoral charge 61 years, 31 being spent'at Penmaenmawr. He was hale and vigorous, and able to fill his pulpit engagements al- most to the time of his death. Mr Davies took a prominent part in the Disestablishment agitation from the initia- tion of the movement 50 years ago.

Grave Charge Against Welsh Officials. Charges of forgery were preferred at the Pwllheli Police Court against Lewis Davies, formerly assistant superintendent to the Prudential Assurance Company Robert Henry Jones, an agent with the same com- pany and William Owen Jones, formerly relieving officer and acting registrar of births, deaths, and marriages under the Pwllheli Union. The informations against the defendants were laid by William Henry Mallett, of Portmadoc, superintendent of the Prudential Company.- The information against Davies was that he forged certain documents purporting to be a form of claim by Robert Jones in re- spect of an insurance policy on the life of Jane Maria Jones, a certified copy of an alleged entry of Jane Maria Jones in the register of deaths for the sub-district of Nevin, and a form of receipt by Robert Jones of £ 13 16s. Against William Owen Jones it was al- leged that lie forged and uttered a docu- ment purporting to be a' certified copy of an alleged entry of the death of Jane Maria Jones, as well as similar documents on other dates concerning the deaths of Mary Jones and Mary Rowlands. The allegation against Robert Henry Jones was that he forged a form of claim by Elizabeth Jones in respect of an insurance policy on the life of Mary Rowlands, also a copy of an alleged entry of death of Mary Rowlands in the register of deaths, and a form of re- ceipt by Elizabeth Jones for F-15 in respect of the policy. The case was adjourned until to-day (Monday), and the defendants were granted bail.

The will has bean proved of Canon Hairy Drew, rector of Hawarden, and son-in-law of Mr W. E. Gladstone, who died on March 31st. He left estate valued at X5,648 gross, of which X4,299 is net personalty.

'r-CC-<'r, r'#' GOLF GOSSIP. [By COLONEL FOOZLER.] "A Newtown Golfer" writes:—"In your column, which I always read with much pleasure and profit, I should feel greatly obliged if you would issue a word of warn- ing, which is really urgent. Probably you will agree with me that it requires nothing short of a serious accident to emphasise the necessity for greater care and much more consideration for mutual safety on the Gro links. Time and again I have escaped a flying ball by almost a hair's breadth, and I have sent one whizzing past the head of another player who unexpect- edly hove in view and crossed my line. As you are aware, there is cross play over most of the holes, and the danger of a bad acci- dent is always imminent, unless stricter attention to rules be enforced. Do please make a point of this." I can from personal observation attest the urgency of my correspondent's appeal. Nothing like the requisite care is exercised by many players on this course, and while the impatient gent is guilty of an occa- sional serious transgression, the ladies are not wholly free from blame. Not long ago I was about to drive from No. 8 tee, where I had been standing some seconds in full view of two ladies, who, against all rules, reason, and regard for their own safety, crossed my immediate line just while I was in the act of driving. The low flying ball skimmed their heads. I shuddered to imagine what might easily have happened, and although they smilingly ducked," the shock was sufficient to unnerve me for the rest of that afternoon. Again, in the iron stroke over the em- bankment to the river hole, I would im- press upon players the absolute need there is to first ascertain that it may be made without risking anybody upon the hidden flat. In fact, as my correspondent asserts, members generally are guilty of a measure of carelessness, which some day will exact a penalty, unless the rules are properly enforced and observed. At present the Gro links, like all others in the county, are decidedly grassy, thanks to the growthy weather of the last fort- night. But a big herd is busy chopping down the crop, and by another week we ought to witness an appreciable difference. If not, the genial hon. sec. will know the reason why. Here are some points in golf philosophy, which players are invited to bear in mind:— The player who is always searching for an excuse when he has missed a shot is not likely to prove a formidable opponent—for a good golfer will always blanie himself and not his clubs. The best of partners in a foursome is he who allows you to play your own game and does not try to convince you that his ad- vice is the best-for this advice, taken against your own inclination, often leads to a missed stroke. Never say what might have been your score, if such and such a putt had gone down. If it was more than six yards it would have been a fluke if a yard, it was a rotten putt-and this is just what your audience would naturally assume. Don't sympathise with your opponent when he misses a short putt lie won't appreciate it, for there is no sense in re- marking on the obvious—the obvious in this case being, "I didn't think vou'd miss it." Don't assume a condescending manner towards a victim, for the sun will rise on many more golfing days, and no player was ever so good but what found someone bet- ter at times. Don't copy other players' style. All roads lead to Rome, and that which you are tra- versing may not be as long and wearying as that upon which your model is journey- ing. To defeat a member of the handicapping committee is human. To lose to him is diplomacy of a high order. I suppose it is the experience of most golfers to endure a deal of friendly chaff from devotees of other games upon the ap- parent childishness of thrashing a wee white ball about a field and forcing it into a hole. My revenge in many instances has come of successfully persuading these cynical friends to join me for once in the i s" None ever remained truer children of the game. We golfers challenge the world of pastime. We boldly declare if- ^s. unequalled by any aspect by which the judgment of comparison may be made. Golf, says someone, is what Sherman said war was, and what Boss Croker said politics was-that very hot place with a very short name. If you don't believe me, drive into the long grass from the last tee, and then say the first warm word that comes to your lips, and you have got it. Golf, architecturally speaking, is as perfect as the Partition. It is an enduring, har- Aionious, artistic' structure builded on a foundation of honesty, ability, and fair play. The man who does not like golf, after having played it twice, is an acephal- ous misanthrope and a truncated hypothen- use in the bargain, and any hard names you can find in the dictionary. Golf is a freeman's game. You can have nothing on your mind and less on your feet. You can play it fast or slow, ill or well. Your mood is the game's mood. Whatever may be said in the heat of the contest on the links is immediately ex- punged by the recording angel. Golf is as ancient as the Garden of Eden, and if the truth were known, Eve fell out. with Adam because he spent too much time putting on the green with cocoanuts for golf balls. It has been authenticated that the Scotch ap- propriated the highball and the game of golf from the Irish. The first golf stick was a shillellah, and Brian Boru, one of the kings of Ireland, played golf centuries be- fore even the Scotch dialect was invented. Golf is as welcome as an oasis in a des- ert, as tantalizing as a mirage, ever beck- oning and alluring. It taunts and mad- dens it has its favourites, as the gods have it turns from the eager and showers its largess often in the "patlis of the most careless. Golf is the king of outdoor sports. okill at it is something a rich man cannot buy, nor a poor one inherit proficiency is only gained by hard work and much prayer. A good man in this life ought to be rewarded with the right of way on the blue-grass fields of the New Jerusalem, and be privileged to play with golden balls and silver clubs, with fluttering female angels for caddies. The man who invented golf deserves a monument as broad as the Pyramids and as high as the Eiffel Tower. Itltas saved more lives than the doctors brought health and happiness to thousands. As developer of character it has no equal. Golf makes a man patient and enduring. it keeps the fires of hope continually alive. It gives one respect for one's opponent, and even makes an enemy endurable. It is the cleanest, fairest sport in the world. Show me a good golf player, and I will show you a clear-brained, well-balanced, generous manly fine fellow. Golf will take the conceit out of a man quicker than any other game in the world. i know it is not an intellectual game, be- cause I see men of towering mental capacity in the" bumble puppy" class with a re- cord of 135, while many a society butterfly who capers at teas can do the course in 90. broit requires patience, endurance, and good temper. You must be at once a fatalist and an optimist, always hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

Newtown Electoral Ward. Sir,—I see that Three Ratepayers" hare* written to inquire about the refuse destructor.. Will you pei-mit me to inquire when we are likely to hear again of the question of re-arranging the- electoral wards. Isn't it time that the Committee* fulfilled their promise of a fuither report on the' subject ? It is an old saying respecting the New- town Council that when they want to burke any contentious question they refer it to a committee.. For the truth of it I cannot vouch, but I am told- this question is being shirked for particular personal reasons. I would much prefer to believe any other reason than that. Public men who are timid of criticism, or who have axes to grind, can never serve the community efficiently. I do not think that Mr Samuel Powell, the new chairman,. is of this sort He is independent enough, and, so far as I have seen, he has always gone fear- lessly and straight. 1 trust under his rule we- shall soon see the question revived, and the warde> re-ananged on a basis more just to the urban coruvaunity.-Youra truly, PROGRESSIVE.

Should Farmers be Protected ? Sir,—No better example of a typically agricul- tural centre could be found than the town of Machynlleth, and no man who thinks for himself, could forever hope to escape from such an obvious question as that with which I have headed my letter. There was a whole world of truth in that. New Year's Almanac of a Machynlleth tradesman which showed th9 Sovereign sitting on the throne, the soldier struggling on the march, the counsel pleading at the bar, the bishop interceding in his Church, and the farmer paying for it all with his plough in the field, Doubtless it was fallacious inasmuch as it exaggerated the truth, yet still it was an excellent vehicle to bring home the singu- lar fact that the husbandman's work is the one. vacation indispensable to the comfort of the- human race. It is on this ascount that the tiller of the soil seems to me to be entitled to preferen- tial treatment at the hands of the Government. To neglect agriculture is to ignore the course ordained by nature. To-day we are crying aloud for some way of bringing men back to the land," whence they should never have b(-en allowed to depart. It is easy to be wise after the event; we now feel that these men should have been attracted to the soil rather than that they should huddle together in cities and towns, crowding in long queues for doles from Labour Exchanges. whilst our countryside has daily grown more and more desolate, being given ovs-r to lazy cattle and sheep virtuous enough to remain even without a, shepherd. The cuuntry which pays large sums of money to maintain Labour Exchanges for the sake of those who live on casual employment in th&- manufacturers' factory whilst it does nothing to multiply its farms builds on a false foundation.. Our senators seem to think that manufactures must be fostered, but that they can afford to let agriculture decline. What wonder is it then that they have to legislate in such a way as to appear, in the roll of a nurse or a grandmother. The familiar cry of back to the Jand" proves that England has "builded" her house on a false. basis. She has been setting a cone to stand on its point, or at best to rest on its unsteady slanting.. side, instead of setting it firm on its circular end. Sooner or later our country must reverse its. order of thinking; it must cease to think of slummy cities first, with their hungry, ill-clad school children, and must learn to concern itself primarily with restoring to the people a country- side tbat is studded with well-equipped home- steads, around which well-tilled fields will bring forth sustenance in plenty and fill the tiller's heart with pride. Are there not too many of the Revivalist legislators in the land ? They always seem to weep over the bottom dog as bottom dog, little thinking that it should be their one endeavour to remove the pauses which produce him. To do this the Government will have to impose a revenue duty on all foreign corn which enters this countrv The Government must stimulate pastoral life by giving a prifertnec3 to the farmer at home to induce men to grow corn- and to enable them to soli it at a price a little- higher than the average price to-day. The con- sumer will have to pay, and he can afford to do it; for a small duty on foreign corn will bring welcome revenue to the Government, and the rates will be lowered oil account of the improved conditions of life in the towns, for men will have an inducement to remain on the land. No other industry must be protected in the same way or we shall soon return to the same relative position as we occupied previously. The farmer must receive favoured treatment and the farmer alone. If you,, sir, and Mr Luke Sharpe" can survive such heresy in the pages of the Express,' I should like to say something more on this simple matter in a future issue. E. F. JONES. County School, Machynlleth, May 28th.

Sunday Golfing. Sir,—I note with satisfaction that you dis- claim sympathy with those who set their faces against all innocent recreation on the Sunday, although you are rightly regardful, of the maintenance of the old character of the British Sabbath. I agree also with you that neither in Welshpool nor in any other part of Montgomeryshire is there any neces- sity for Sunday golf. Here young people- and old have reasonable time for recreation during the week, and they are, unlike in- habitants of cities, not required to travel long distances for it. And golfers, I am sure, are mostly composed of a class with the maximum of leizure. At the same time, Mr Editor, I have no patience with people who scowl at innocent happiness on the Sabbath, and look with narrow-minded dis- pleasure upon all who do not attend Church twice or at least once a day. Many of these people we,ar a Sabbath face, which somehow undergoes a remarkable transformation on the Monday. You might find it interesting to print the following poem written by a. nobleman many years ago to a well-known magazine. It is entitled" Let us all be unhappy on Sunday," and forms a delight- ful caricature of those ultra-good folk :— We zealots, made up of stiff clay, The sour-looking children of sorrow, While not over jolly to-day, Resolve to be wretched to-morrow. We can't for a certainty tell What mirth may molest us on Monday. But, at least, to begin the week well, Let us all be unhappy on Sunday. That day, the calm season of rest, Shall seem to us freezing and frigid A gloom all our thoughts shall invest, Such as Calvin would call over-rigid. With sermons from morning till night, We strive to be decent and dreary, To preachers a praise and delight, Who ne'er think that sermons can weary.. All tradesmen cry up their own wares, In this they agree well together The mason by stone and lime swears The tanner is always for leather The smith still for iron would go The schoolmaster stands up for teaching, And the parson would have you to know, There's nothing on earth like his preaching.. The face of kind nature is fair, But our system obscures its effulgence How sweet is the breath of fresh air But our rules don't allow the indulgence r These gardens their walks and green bowers Might be free to the poor man for one day But no the glad plants and gay flowers Mustn't blossom or smell sweet on Sunday.. What though a good precept we strain. Till hurtful and hateful we make it What though, in thus pulling the rein, We may ^aw it so tight as to break'it L Abroad we forbid folks to roam For fear they get social or frisky But of course they can sit still at home, And get dismally drunk upon whisky. Then, though we can't certainly tell How mirth may molest us on Monday At least, to begin the week well, Let us all be unhappy on Sunday. -Yours truly, A CHRISTIAN.

"ADVICE TO MOTHERS."—Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to. a chemist, and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP. It produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child, from pain, and the little cherub awakes H as bright as a button." Contains no- Poisonous Ingredient. Of all Chemists. HH per bottle.

The passenger receipts of the Cambrian S?hWMyS Company for the week end £ S showed a decrease of £ 1,400, but ■ n,f I. n r5^pect of merchandise, minerals *ind live stock were better by £ 85,

FORESTERS' GALA DAY AT LL-A.WBA-DARN. r MttVilal least of the LlanbaCjpni for- esteis wds held on Saturday week, and. a3 usual, proved a great success. There was p very large gathering of people from all parts of the district, and the presence of the Newtown Silver Band (under Mr J. Morris) delighted the crowd by its music. The members of the Lodge "Pride of Ithon opened the proceedings with a march round and service at the parish church, conducted by the Vicar (the Rev Jones Jenkins), who preached a capital sermon from Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." THE FEAST. At the New Inn. Mrs Williams prepared a sumptuous dinner, which was presided over by the president, Mr R. Wellings Thomas, Llandrindod ,who was supported by the Revs T. Jones (Llanbister), Lewis Jones (Heyope), J. Jones (Llandewy). T. Jones-Jenkins (Llanbadarn), E. H. Dight (Maesyrhelem). Miss Davies (Great House, Llanbister). Messrs P. Wilson-Jones (New- town), B. Wilding, A. J. Moseley (treasurer), William Richards (treasurer), and a large number of the members of the lodge. After an enjoyable repast, the Chairman submitted the toast 'Of the King, Queen, and members of the Royal Family," and referred in a feeling manner to the recent great national bereavement. Having been privileged to see the lying-in-state of the late King, Mr Thomas said he could not help being impressed by the sight of the thousands who filed through so quietly, reverently, and solemnly, proving beyond a doubt that King Edward had ruled right: down in the 'Hearts of his people. He trusted that the new King would inherit all the estimable qualities of his great an- cestor (hear, hear). Mr P. Wilson-Jones, in proposing the Bishops, Clergy, and Ministers of all de- nominations," said he considered this a most important toast. He had the honour of knowing the Bishop personally, and he was a broad-minded gentleman, and one of the best that had ever presided over that diocese (hear, hear). He (Mr Jones) was also privileged to know many clergymen imfj ministers, and in his opinion there was no nobler or better set of men in the coun- try to-day than those embraced in the words of that toast (hear, hear). Theirs was the message of peace, and when the army and navy were forgotten, and times of war had passed away, the ministers of religion would still remain, for their work was eternal. He coupled with the toast the names of the Revs T. Jones-Jenkins and E. H. Dight. The Rev T. Jones-Jenkins was glad to see so many present, and that the weather had kept fine ,for at that time of the year Llan- badarn was one of the prettiest spots on earth (laughter and applause). He congra- tulated the lodge in getting up that annual fete for the enjoyment and amusement 01 the people. The Rev E. H. Dight said he was as yet only a stranger amongst them, and he thanked them very heartily for their invi- tation and hospitality. Such lodge's as theirs represented the provision made for times of sickness and ill-health, and he thought as he watched the procession pass down the road that these were a body of men who were making a provision for their future. He noticed that recently the secre- tary of the Foresters' Union, representing the voice of five millions of people belong- ing to friendly societies, had stated that lie hoped the Chancellor of the Exchequer would on some future occasion bring in a measure for all the working men of the country to join some society. Then would the work of friendly societies reap its re- ward, and the question become a national one (applause). The Rev T. Jones, in submitting "The Imperial Forces," said that although a man of peace. lie had the previous year been deputed to propose that warlike toast. They would all like to see the day when war should be no more, but with the world as it was at present, there were many who be- lieved that to be prepared for war was the best way to retain peace. He believed that the navy of this country was quite up-to- date, and if the land forces were small in comparison with some countries, they were in a high state of efficiency. He had also much pride in those young fellows who joined the Territorials, and went in for a course of training that would prepare them to do their duty in times of emergency. Bandman J. Morris, whose name was Iv coupled with the toast, suitably replied. ONE OF THE GREATEST EVILS. The Chairman, on rising to propose the toast of the afternoon, "Success to Court 'Pride of the Ithon, said that friendly societies existed for the benefit of all, and lie believed- them to be one of the finest things existing in that great country of theirs. Such societies taught them to be careful and to provide against a rainv dav. And they also taught a nobler thing. He 9 noticed the motto above one of the hymns they had sung in church that day—" Be- hold how good a thing it is to dwell to- gether in unity." They lived in times of great party strife, and they had reason to be glad of anything that brought members of the two parties together in amity under one roof, even if only for an hour (hear, hear). He believed that the bitterness of the party system was one of the greatest evils of the present day, and was to a large extent sapping the best brains and energy of the country. The sermon they had heard that day taught them that there were other things in the world than those that were of the world. Speaking more particularly of friendly societies, Mr Thomas said it seemed a wonder that the Government of the coun- try had not before now made it compulsory for every young man to join a society of that kind, so that he might lay up provision against sickness and old age. He was sure that anyone joining Court "Pride of the Ithon would find himself a member of a lodge in a strong and thriving condition. He noticed from the balance-sheet that the Court had a fund of over £ 680. and that it had increased by no less thuri £42 during the preceding year and lie should think that every young man in the neighbourhood would make it his object to strive to be- come a member of such a flourishing lodge. The position of the lodge pointed to very careful work by the Secretary (Mr Richards) and the Treasurer (Mr Moselev) (hear, hear). The books were not kent in a siin.sii.j Con- ner, but had been duly audited. He hoped tha they would have another successful year in the one now entered upon. He coupleo with the toast the name of Mr Moseley, the treasurer (applause). Mr A. J. Moseley thanked the Chairman tor his kind words and the audience for the way they had received the toast. He was pleased to say that last year they had done better than for some years previous, and saved more money. He hoped the present year would be as good, and so far as they had gone he believed it would. He was sorry to say that they had lost four members last year ,and as only two new ones joined, their membership had fallen below 100, but they hoped to reach that figure again before the end of the year. In conclusion, Mr Moseley proposed the health of the Chairman, and hoped that many would follow the good advice given by that gentleman. The toast was received with enthusiasm, and the band played For he's a jolly good fellow. J J In responding, the Chairman said he was a Radnorshire man bred and born, and he H'n nl""n- ;d?, giaci to do anything he could to further the interests of any institution in the county (applause). t The Rev Lewis Jones submitted the toast of "The Press" and the Chairman pro- posed "The Hostess," and Mr Williams replied on behalf of his mother. The balance sheet showed .the total worth of the sick and funeral fund to be Y-680 12s subsidiary benefit fund, Is Old manage- ment fund, £3 17s 3jd total, E684 10s 4d. Members initiated during the year, two died, one left, three total on December 31st, 1909, 99. Saved during the year, £ 40 19s Old. The following gentlemen sent sub- scriptions Sir Francis Edward, 2 2s Mr C. Venables Llewelyn, M.P., S:2 2s Mr R. B. Tetley, £ 2 2s Mr H. W. Ethelstone, £2 2s Mr H. C. Rollason, £ 1 is Mr W. B. Pugh, tl Mr C. R. Stephens, F-I Rev T. Jones-Jenkins, 1; Rev Thomas Jones, lO ijq i M? James Hamer, J.P., 10s Mr P, Wilson-Jones, 10s and Mr David James, Garn, IOSJ. THE EISTEDDFOD. In an adjacent field, within a Spacious marquee, the annual eisteddfod was held. Mr Wellings Thomas again presided, and delivered an appropriate address. Hr P. Wilson-Jones (Newtown) Was the conductor Mr Fred Evans, (Treharris) adjudicator of music Rev E. Lewis Jones (rector of Heyope) adjudicator of literature and Mr H. Pryce Jones, A.R.C.M. (Llandewy) ac- companist. The results of the various competitions were as follows:— Soprano solo-Miss James, Gwenlas. Trio-Miss James, Messrs R. Lewis and T. W. James. Describing an article without naming it- I Mr George Jones, Moehdre, 2 Mr Owen, Kerry. Bass solo—Mr T. W. James, Velindre. Duet for females—Misses James, Gwenlas. Essay, How a cottager may best add to his income" (prizes given by Mr Jones, Llanbister Vicarage)—Divided between Miss and Mr Griffiths, Lletherliwent (brother and sister). Male voice competition (12 to 16 voices), Cambria's song of freedom," 1st t5, 2nd .;P-I-Divided between Moehdre (conductor, Mr Fred Leach) and Bwlehsarnau (Mr T. Rees), these being the only choirs compet- ing. Tenor solo—Mr Morley Hughes, Newtown. Impromptu debate—Divided between Meesrs Owens and Jones (Mochdre) and Messrs Hughes and Edwards (Newtown). Quartette—Mr Price, Dolfor, and party. Solo (own selection). This attracted the biggest entry of the day, nirte competing. The prize was divided between Messrs G. Thomas (Howey) and T. W. James (Velin- dre). The adjudicator spoke very highly of the Howey singer's voice, and said that with proper training he would make a fine singer. Duet (tenor and bass)—Messrs James Hamer and Benjamin Price (Dolfor). Mixed voice competition (16 to 20 voices), "The summer"; 1st prize £ 7; 2nd, SI. Three parties competed—Bwlehsarnau, Howey, and Mochdre. The adjudicator said the Howey and Moehdre choirs were equal in merit, speaking very highly of both, and the prizes were equally divided between these two choirs. The usual votes of thanks to the officials terminated a very enjoyable and successful gathering.

Long-lived Hymn Writer. The announcement of the death of Miss Anna L. Waring at Clifton last week will come as a great surprise to many in middle life who have been familiar since childhood with at least two hymns of her writing. One of them, Father, I know that all my life, Is portioned out for me, was written over 60 years ago. The other, "My heart is resting, 0, my God," was published a few years later. Miss Waring 1890 90 yeafS ° £ ag6' having been born in This latter fact. reminds us that quite a number of famous hymn-writers were born in the second decade of last century, and not a few enjoyed peculiar longevity. Mrs Luke, who wrote I think when I read that sweet story of old,was born in 1813, and lived for 93 years. Thomas Hornblower Gill, who died last year, was born in 1819. Jean Inglelow was born in 1820, and died 77 years later. Canon Twells, whose At even ere the sun was set" will never be forgotten, lived the same number of years. Albert Midlane, the author of There's a Friend for little children," who died last year, was 84. Mrs Cousin, who wrote The sands of time are sinking," was 83 years of age when she died in 1906. Miss Fanny Crosby, who wrote Safe in the arms of Jesus," is still living in America in her 88th year. Among others born in the period mentioned were J. M. Neale and T. T. Lynch, born in 1818, and Longfellow and James Russell Lowell, born in 1819.

See the ONOTO Window at No. 19, Broad-street, Newtown.

FLOWERS ON THE GRAVE I STOLEN FROM WELSHPOOL CHURCT r YARD. There have been many compla: in Welshpool of flowers being lately graves in St. Mary's parish c' stolen from Christ churchyard. Bl" -Aurchyard and thanks to a discovery I last Tuesday, parish church vergp oy the wIfe of the wras brought to b the culprits ried woman, lp-' —Emily Evans, a. mar- Elizabeth No- Bear-yard, about sev -fcdlen Humphreys said that 19th s' len o clock on the evening of May wh" ,.Lle was in St. Mary's Churchyard, t re she saw defendant taking flowers ..rom Mrs Davies, the butcher's, grave. Wit- ness went up to her, and charged her with stealing the flowers from the grave. Defen- dant first said that she was only "fettling" the grave, but afterwards pleaded that she was very sorry indeed;* that she would not have done such a thing only she was in drink. Defendant did not look as if she was in drink. Witness sent for her hus- band, but defendant kept the flowers under her cape and took them away without offer- ing to put them back on the grave-they were white lilies and red poppies. Some were in a jar and some in a wreath. Charles Humphreys, the verger, said that defendant confessed to him that she had taken the flowers, and added, I'm drunk please don't summons me." There were notices posted about the Churchyard that anybody taking the flowers would be pro- secuted. One notice was posted on a tree by the grave, from which the flowers had been taken. When witness drew defendant's attention to this, she said she couldn't read. She had had a little drink. I Defendant pleaded guilty, and the Mayor (Mr T. J. Evans) said that as this was the first case of the kind that had been before the justices for some considerable time thev had decided to take a lenient view, and charge defendant 5s towards the costs, which were £1. But if they got another case of the same description before them they should deal with it very severely. Defendant was allowed seven days' to pay, in default seven days' imprisonment.

Boarded-out Children. FORDEN GUARDIANS CO-OPT LADY INSPECTORS. Forden Board ef Guardians received last Wednesday the fi-st report of the Boarding-out Committee appointed in accordance with a recent Order of the Local Government Board The Guardians have appointed Miss Oakley to preside over this Committee. On the motion of Miss Oakley, seconded by Mr .Price Davies, the Committee resolved to recom- mend to the Board that the following ladies be invited to co-operate with the Committee: Miss Clara Jones, Westwood, and Mrs Joseph fl, Davies, Broad-street, Welshpool; Alra S. D Price Davies, Marrington Holl Mrs C. S. Pryce, Montgomery; Mrs W. Davies, Hazledene, For- den; Mrs E. H. Beattie, Leighton and Mrs John Davies, Maenllwyd, Aberruule. On the motion of Mr Price Davies, seconded- by Mr Pritchard, it was resolved to recommend that the payments to foster parents be made by the Guardians, and that the payments be made monthly by the Clerk. Mr Price Davies explained to the Board that the idea of cu-opting the ladies was to avoid appointing a salaried visitor, who would other- wise have to be provided, and incidentally some of the ladies would save some members of the Board tho trouble of visiting the children them- seves. He thought it FAR MORE FITTING that the ladies should do that than that the men should. Miss Oakley had communicated with the ladies and bad their consent to act. The Rev D. E. Rowlands (vicar of Middletown): Do I understand that these co-opted members of the Committee will not have the full powers of the other members ? Mr Price Davies: They haven't under the Order. The Rev D. E. Rowlands: In that case it's alright. I thought we were throwing ourselves open to petticoat government. That's all! (laughter). Mr Price Davies added that the aim had been to enlist the sympathy of some lady who lived close by the boarded-out children, who could look to the boarded-out children with a minimum of trouble. It was not so much a formal visit once a month that was needed, but alady who constantly saw the children twice or three times a week, when they passed her door, or when she passed them in the street, and knew the woman with whom they lived. By this means she could give a far better report than when she sat on a well- dusted chair for a few minutes and talked to the old lady in the fireplace, whilst someone in the back-yard was putting a clean pinafore on (laughter). The Board unanimously co-opted the suggested jjv°n the Boarding-out Committee, with the addition of Miss Nay]or. The present method of paying the foster parents will be continued until after the audit, after which it will be re- considered.

A Woman's Blow COST HER 10s. A'J WELSHPOOL. A young Welshpool woman, Susan Gard- ner, Mermaid-passage, was summoned at the Borough Sessions last Tuesday by Mary Ann Goodwin, a widow, living at 2 Powell's-lane, for assault. Defendant admitted having hit the com- plainant, but pleaded that she had been pro- voked. Mrs Goodwin stated that on Thursday, May 19th, she was at the top of the lane, when Susan Gardner passed between her and the wall and touched her arm. Witness asked wasn't the place big enough without her being pushed about. Thereupon Susan Gardner called her everything besides a good name, and struck here on the side of the head with her fist shut. Defendant: She hit me across the head, and I knocked her back. Mrs Annie Davies, a neighbour, testified that she heard high words, and going to see what was the matter, saw Susan Gardner going to strike somebody. When witness came on the scene, Mrs Goodwin had fainted, and she took the pins out of her hair and undid the neck of her dress. Mrs Emma Roberts, another neighbour, living at 3, Powell's-row, also gave evidence, and the defendant again declared that Mrs Goodwin had hit her first. The Bench fined her 10s, including costs, and allowed a month's time to pay.

Interesting to Territorials. Mr Haldane, Secretary for War, inspected the West Surrey Cadet Corps, 400 strong, at Stoke Park, Guildford, and subsequently spoke at a luncheon. King Edward, said Mr Haldane, did more for the Territorial force than anybody, ex- cept perhaps himself (Mr Haldane), would ever realise. When difficulties occurred his late Majesty intervened, and by the force of his character and example smoothed them out. In him the Territorial force lost a leader, but the present King, in his message to the Army and what he baH i said to him (Mr Haldane), indicated the fullest intentions of following in the foot- steps of his father, and to him they looked with confidence. After alluding to the splendid response of Surrey in support of the Territorial scheme, Mr Haldane said that if the country de- cided to raise the Territorial force from 300,000 to 500,000, by providing the requisite machinery that could easily be accom- plished on a voluntary basis. The new War Office scheme proposed to make the cadets training organisations for the pro- duction of Territorials.