The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

BUTCHERS' HIDE, SKIN AND WOOL Company Limited, New Canal-street, Birmingham. —Current Prices: Hides-90 and up, 7-fit ou to 89, 6-6; 70 to 79, 6-6; 60 to 69, 6^—6; 50 to 59, 61-511. 49 and under, 6-5!; cows- 4 60 and up, 5 £ —51 50 to 59, -g 49 and under, 5 £ — 5-J,; bulls, 5-5; warbled and irregs., 4 -6. Calf, 17 and up, 7 t; 12 to 16, 8i; 9 to 11, 8i; light, 81. Horse hides, 21/ 19/ 17/ 15/9, 13/3, 10/9, 8/9. Welsh wools-3¡10, 2 Pelts—3/2, 3/ 2/10, 2/7, 2/6, 1/10. Lambs— 3/8, 3/5, 2/11, 2/1. Fat—Best beef, 4d best mutton, 31d; seconds, 2d; common, 1 id. Mixed fat, 2!-d. Bones-Marrow, 1/3 waste, lOd per score. See the ONOTO Window at -No. 19, Broad-street, Newtown.

News OF THE WEEK. At the ago-of 102, the death 18 announced at Kingston-on-Thames of Miss- Ea ma Elyard, ef Beaufort-road. She remembered A any s connected with the funeral or the 2) uke of Well- ington. Until ?&cent years she v"V her activity. Mr Charles Hutch in, of Little Pay^- gardens, Enfield, holding a lfeoponeible position V f° Ammunition Works, was found shot in .j1 rs class compartment of a Great Eastern train on arrival at Silver-sireet station, EdtaRA ton., Death had only taken plaoe a few minutes. The Cardiff Cymmrodorxon have started1 a movement to secure that the investiture of Duke of Cornwall, when he comes to be created t Prince of Wales, shall take place at Cardiff, all-q steps are being taken to jet up a national i, petition to this effect to be forwarded to the j King. The death has occurred of Sir .Francis Seymour Haden at Weodcote Park, Bramdaan, Hants. Sir Francis, who was 92 years old, -vas founder and president of the Royal Society of Painter Etshers. He had a medical education, and was M.D. of Edinburgh. He bad written largely on art and sanitary science. A crane fell into Workington harbour and car- ried with it a man named Stephen Johnstone. was discovered that he was pinned down by the, machinery, and that if he was not quickly extri- cated he would be drowed, as the tide was rising. Just as he was actually submerged the rescuers liberated him, but by that time he was in a criti- cal condition. With his face enormously swollen and inflamed, Henry James Blackburn, 77, formerly a store- keeper employed by the Hackney Borough Coun- cil, was admitted to the infirmary in a state of delirium and died in terrible agony two days later from acute blood poisoning. I think a fly or a blue-bottle may have been feeding on some bad meat and then bitten him and poisoned him," said Dr W. I Cowell at the inquest. When 1bs Annie Jones, Sisson-street, Rhyl. summoned her husband, Hugh Jones, for assault at the Rbyl Court, Mr J. Roberts Jones, for the husband, said it was a thousand pities that after 30 years' married life the parties should come to court. He suggested they should make up their differences outside. Mrs Jones: He carrifs on shockingly. A Magistrate: Give him another chance. Mrs Jones I have given him too many I want him bound over. Mr Roberts Jones: And he wants you bound over (laughter). Mrs Jones All right; I am quite willing (laughter). Both parties then consented to be bound over. The Cheshire Territorial Brigade completed their fortnight's training at Bow-Street on Sun- day. The men were early astir, and by one o'clock the Cambrian Railways Company heden- trained the whole brigade for home. General Lloyd visited the camp on Saturday, and ex- pressed himself as well satisfied with what he saw of a rear-guard action. On Wednesday, the brigade went to Aberystwyth, and marched past General Lloyd on the Marine Terrace. The General was mounted on a white charger, and, subsequently, he and his staff and the officers of the brigade were entertained by the Mayor of Aberystwyth at the Queen's Hotel. After the review, the massed bands, 20) strong, played selections of music on the terrace.

Assize Grouping. MORE JUDGES WANTED Various Welsh counties are joining in the pro- test that Montgomeryshire has made against the proposed grouping of the Welsh Assizes. At Cardiganshire Assizes on Tuesday, Mr Jus- tice Scrutton, in his charge to the Grand Jury, said there were undoubtedly great advantages in the existing system—the population of the county saw the administration of justice, and jurors and witnesses would not have to make long journeys. What was said on the other hand was this. He was in Cardiganshire to try three prisoners and two civil cases. When he left London there were 200 common and 250 special jury cases waiting. There were now 16 judges—fewer judges than there were SO years ago—and the result was a continual strain. His Lordship advised them to press upon their local members of Parliament the need of appointing two more judges, ar.d then they would be Jess likely to lose the Assizes. His Lordship then received presentments against the grouping of Assizes from the Mayor of Lam- peter and from the grand jury in favour of the appointment of two more judges. His Lordship promised to forward the present- ments to the Home Secretary and the Council of Judges.

A Warning to Illegal Anglers. Is a pocket a bag or other instru- ment"? The ordinary person would pro- bably answer in the negative, but the- Divisional Court in Taylor v. Pritcliard answers the question affirmatively when the pocket, is the pocket- i a salmon poacher. Section 36 of the Salmon Fishery Act. 1873. allows a water bailiff appointed under th& Salmon Fisheries Acts to search nets, baskets, bags, or other instruments used in fishing." A water bailiff duly appointed under the Acts endeavoured to search the pockets of a. man he met on the bank of the Usk. After some resistance he suc- ceeded, and discovered a fishing rod in a. satchel. A bench (of Moiitmouthshire magis- trates before whom the came decided that the section did not allow the bailiff t.-) search pockets. The Divisional Court. has. however, held that a pocket is a bag or other instrument used in fishing or in. carrying fish." --+-

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DOG LICENSE EXEMPTIONS. A DISPUTE AT MACHYNLLETH SESSIONS. The power of magistrates to grant ex- emptions to farmers from paying dog li- censes was discussed at the Machynlleth Petty Sessions last Wednesday, when the police summoned John Henry Hughes, Nantyresger, and Griffith Tudor Jones, Cefngwyddgrug, for having kept. dogs with- out a license. P.C. Humphreys and P.C. Hoberf E. Jones gave evidence in the re- spective cases that the defendants had been granted exemptions fur one dog each, but had not taken out licenses for other dogs. Mr Edmund Gillart, solicitor, who ap- peared for Griffith Tudor Jones, said there seemed to be some misapprehension as to the powers of magistrates in reducing the number of exempted sheep dogs from two To one. Defendant was highly respected, and would be the last person to avoid the law. In April lie applied for two exemp- tions, and for some reason or other the Bench decided that he was only entitled to one. The ground of objection offered by the police was that the number of sheep and cattle did not justify the, granting of two exemptions, one dog being considered sufficient. According to a JUDGMENT IN THE HIGH COURT, the magistrates had no power to reduce the number of dogs from two to one so long as the applicant satisfied them that he was either a farmer or shepherd, and, if he kept the dogs for the sole purpose of at- tending sheep, the Bench were bound to grant exemptions. Having granted him one exemption, the Bench must have conic to the conclusion that he was either a farm- er or shepherd. Dr A. 0.. Davies: Therefore, every farmer, however small his farm, can get exemp- tions. Mr Gillart: The number of sheep does not apply up to two exemptions. Police-Sergeant Davies said there was no application for exemption before the Court at present. Defendant was charged with having kept a dog without a license, and the Bench had no jurisdiction in saying whether they were right or wrong in refus- ing the exemption previously. Defendant could have appealed against that decision, but as he had not done so, he was out of court. The question for the Bench was whether the dog was kept without a certi- ficate of exemption or a license. Mr Gillart said the Bench might have acted through misapprehension of the facts or the law in granting only one exemption. If all the facts were before the Bench in April, they might have come to a different conclusion, and they would have taken the same view as the Lord Chief Justice. It WOULD HAVE BEEN EXPENSIVE for defendant to appeal in a higher court against the decision of the Bench. The Sergeant said defendant had one cow and sixteen sheep when he made the appli- cation for exemption, and it was ridiculous to think that two dogs were wanted. Mr Gillart: It is not for any sergeant ■or the Bench to say that. The Sergeant: We are not sure that the decision of the High Court read by Mr Gil- lart will be the same in this case. Mr T. Parsons: Is it true that the Chief Constable gave instructions to withdraw eleven notices of objection in another part of the county ? The Sergeant: He never instructed me to do so. The Deputy: The police have no feeling, but to carry out our duty. It is absurd for anyone to apply for an exemption if the Bench have no power to refuse. Dr Williams asked if Mr Jones was not in the same position as other defendants. He was simply charged with having kept a dog without a license. After considering the cases in private, the Bench dismissed both charges. The Sergeant: Am I to understand that defendant. can keep a dog without license or exemption ? The Chairman (Mr Richard Gillart): We say nothing about that. Mr E. Gillart said he would apply in the ordinary course for two exemptions.

Llanbrynmair Relieving Officeirship. The Machynlleth Board of Guardians, -last Wednesday, received applications from the following sixteen candidates for tho office of relieving officer, registrar, collector, and vaccination officer for the Darowen district, in succession to the late Mr Daniel Howell, Llanbrynmair:—E. Gwernol Rob- erts, Abergvnolwyn Humphrey T. Evans, Escuan Isaf David Evans, Cemmes Road J. Cynog Jones, Ystradgynlais Richard Davies, Bangor R. E. Roberts, Llanwnda David Howells, Gellidywyll Mills, Llan- brynmair Thomas LJoyd, Plas Pennant Joseph Oliver, Liverpool William Ed- wards, Birkenhead D. C. Evans, Moun- tain Ash Ivor Jones, Machynlleth Pierce Evans, Carnarvon G. H. Peate, attendance officer, Llanbrynmair Gwilym Williams Tymawr, Llanbrynmair Evan Williams, Caegidog Each, Commins Coch. The first. ballot resulted as follows:- Ivor Jones, 8 D. Howells, 5 Gwernol Roberts, 4 David Evans, 3 G. H. Peate, 1 and H. T. Evans, 1. Second bal- lot: Roberts, 9 Evans, 1 Howell, 1 Jones. 9. Final vote: Jones, 14 Roberts, 8. On the motion of Mr Richard Gillart, seconded by Mr Edward Jones, the Board then unanimously elected Mr Ivor Jones. who is 28 years of age, and has been acting as an assistant clerk to the guardians.

NEWTOWN URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. There were several conspicuous absentees from the monthly meeting of this Council on Thursday evening. The sparkle of Mr Parry's contributions was much missed, for John was then doing duty for King and country in the tented field of the county Yeomanry; the august presence of Mr John Humphreys at the top end of the table was wanting on this occasion; Mr Cooke's perennial smile was elsewhere, and Mr David Jones was probably engaged prospecting his hay harvest. The Chairman (Mr Samuel Powell) presided over the following:—Messrs W. H. Evans (vice-chair- man), S. H. Jarvis, G. H. Ellison, A. Ford, T. A. Forster, R. George, Richard Barnes, J. H. Jones, R H. Bennett, and W. F. Pryce, with Mr Martin Woosnam (clerk), Mr Montague Woosnam (deputy clerk), Mr Knightley (assistant), Mr Clement Jones (surveyor), and Mr 0. D. S. Taylor (gas manager), CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was received from the Council's parlia- mentary agents in London stating that an order had been made by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries for the formation of a fishing district for the river Severn, and that under its provisions the reservoirs and other waters of local authorities within the district were liable to be assessed and rated. It was agreed that the Clerk should procure a copy of the Order. The Secretary to the Canal Company wrote with respect to the damaged piling on the river bank stating it seemed to him the damage had been caused by the improper way in which the river bank was protected, and that the Company were in no way responsible for the damage. He bad, however, no objection to lending the Council a pile-driving engine, but would bear no cost of the repairs. It was agreed to obtain the assistance of the Canal Company's men in the work of piling. The County Council called attention to the necessity of distributing handbills on the proper feeding of infants, and the Correspondence Com- mittee recommended that the Clerk write for handbills with the promise that they would be distributed. He had written,, and the answ* was that the Council must provide their own hand- bills. Mr Evans thought the Council should refer to their Medical OHicer for an opinion. Mr Ellison I think we do all that is necessary if we agree to distribute the bills. The matter was left in the hands of the Medical Officer and the Clerk. The Committee recommended that no action be taken with respect to a communication regarding the Daylight Saving Bill. The Clerk: They want to get us up an hour earlier and retire an hour earlier. It is all a question of rising. Mr Barnes: It will make no difference to the farmers. Mr Bennett: Nor to lawyers (laughter). THE FINANCIAL POSITION. The Treasurer reported the following balances on the various accounts at the end of May:— General district account (credit) XI,301 18s 3d, gas revenue (debit) X393 15s Id, gas loan (debit) .£50 13s Sd, Free Library (credit) .£18 9s 2d. Mr D. M. Woolley, the collector, reported that ¡ he had collected and banked during the month:—General district rate .£62 6s lOd, water .£16 15s 4d, district fund X7 118 Id—total .£86 13s 3d. He added that the Chairman of the Allot- ments Committee had given him instructions as to the arrears of rent due by the tenants of garden allotments, and the same would be carried out. A SATISFACTORY REPORT. Dr. Wilson, the medical officer of health, stated that the health of the town and district during the month had been good, and not a case of infectious disease bad been reported to him. The schools were inspected and found to be in a satis- factory condition. Notice served upon the owners of property on Llanfair-road had not been com- plied with and he now asked that the Council issue a statutory notice as well as upon property owners in Bunford's-court and Frolic-street. Mr Ford (to Mr J. H. Jones, the owner of the Llanfair-road property)—Do you propose Mr Jones and I second that the notice be served ? (laughter). Mr Jones: I have explained it two or three times. Mr George: You will have a summons next time. Mr Jones All right. The Chairman: There seems to be a difference of opinion with regard to the Medical Officer's recommendation respecting Mr Jones' property. The Sanitary Committee think that in the very near future there will be a water main carried further up the Llanfair-road for the purpose of the new infirmary and possibly the Medical Officer will see his way to let the matter stand over for a month or two. Mr Barnes: Mr Jones has promised that immediately the water main is extended to the new infirmary site he will take it oa to Mount Pleasant and carry out the work without delay. That I think will be done in a month or two. It would be rather hard to call upon Mr Jones to do it now. Mr Evans moved that the recommendation of the Sanitary Committee be adopted—that the matter be adjourned until the water main is extended to the new infimary. If Mr Jones did not comply then the Council would deal drasti- cally (laughter)—This course was adopted. T he Chairman: What about Bumford's-court and Frolic-street ? Mr Barnes They are in a very bad state, and it appears they have given trouble for years. I propose that the recommendation of the Medical Officer be carried out-This was agreed to. THE SYSTEM OF SCAVENGING. The Surveyor reported that he had inspected the greater portion of highways under the con- trol of the Council in both parishes,, and with the exception of the Birches and Tynygreen Lanes, found them in a satisfactory condition. The fencing of the new road, near Black Hall had been completed, and a ditch formed, and drain pipes laid. There is still, however, a quan- tity of stone and gravel required. The footpath on the Barn-lane had been tor some time in a very bad state, and the Committee had now instructed him to have the same re- paired, and the work was in hand. He hoped to hsve the work of repairs to the defective portions of footways in the town carried out during the next month. The usual duties of scavenging had been attended to. The altered process of collection of house refuse did, he found, add considerably to the time taken for the collection, and what he found urgently needed was, for the different properties to be provided with suitable receptacles that could be carried by the men and emptied direct into the ashing cart. In many places no ash-bin or pit was provided for the use of the householder, L I I _L_J 1 .1-0. The usual duties of scavenging had been attended to. The altered process of collection of house refuse did, he found, add considerably to the time taken for the collection, and what he found urgently needed was, for the different properties to be provided with suitable receptacles that could be carried by the men and emptied direct into the ashing cart. In many places no ash-bin or pit was provided for the use of the householder, consequently the debris was emptied loose on the open yards, which was most insanitary. Several cases of blocked drains and water closets had been located and the notices to abate same served. The notices had been, with few exceptions, complied with. The seweraga system had been inspected and flushed; a partial stoppage had been detected near to the Rock Farm, which would need urgent attention and the obstruction removed. He had made an inspection of the Sewerage Farm, and found the farm itself in good condition, but the carriers in some places neglected. The tenant had since complied with his request to have the same put in working order. Mr Ford said he noticed some time ago that the Surveyor asked permission to get what he con- sidered suitable things for the purpose of re- moving house refuse. Did they answer the pur- pose? n, The burveyor: We found that the bins nrsc supplied were too heavy for the men to lift into the cart. We have substituted a lighter bin, and although it takes longer to clean out each yard, they answer better. Mr Ford: I am glad your opinion coincides with those who have seen them. They were too I heavy and unwieldy to be used by the men. THE CEMETERY. | Funerals during the month, 5; fees received, JH Os 6d; sites sold during the month, 4. THE PRICE OF COAL. Gas made during the month amounted to 1,020,800 feet, an increase of 3,800 feet compared with the like period of last year. Coal carbonized, 104 tons; gas made per ton, 9,815 feet; coke I sold. 38 tons, 2 cwt., 3 qrs.; tar sold, 5 cwt., 3 qrs., 271 lbs sulphate of ammonia sold, 10 ewt., 3 qrs., 241 lbs. Collected and banked during the month, £ 373 16s. The amount collected from slot meters during the month was £ 35 18s 3d. Mr Forster said they were paying 9d per ton more for coal, which would cost between £ 67 and £ 80 more than that of twelve months ago. Yet the Committee believed that the class of coal selected would make a larger amount of gas, and at least save the additioaal outlay. A LADYWE LL IMPROVEMENT. The Streets and Lighting Committee rep&rted that the fencing of the road near Black Hall had been completed. Having received complaints with regard to the condition of the footpath in Barn-lane, they had instructed the Surveyor to have the same repaired. They had again con- sidered the desirability of removing the existing nuisance near Ladywell pump. As there had been very scrong protests made respecting the present condition, and inasmuch as the Council and Mr Powell had formally agreed to the general improvement, the only question being the time limit as regards the tenancy of the house, they strongly urged the Council to give the committee power to act. Mr Ford wanted information as to the time I limit referred to. Mr Ellison explained that the Council had pre- viously agreed upon all the points concerning this I proposed improvement. It was only a que&tion of taking down a cottage, and there was a time limit suggested-that it should be within 20 years. Mr Powell only objected to that, and said that when- ever the building was taken down it would be put back to the distance arranged with the Council. It was only a question of the time limit, but inas- much as Mr Powell could not see bis way to agree to that limit the improvement was prevented from being done. At present the state of things was a standing disgrace to the town. It was so near to that beautiful building, -the Baptist Chapel, many members of whose congregation made their way through that place, as well as young people attending the schools. If members of the Council witnessed the nuisance they would agree as a sanitary authority that it should have been removed long since. The sooner it was done the better, as it would cost nothing to the town. Mr Ford said that after the explanation he would raise no objection, only he would be glad to know that the agreement with Mr Powell should be put into legal shape, because, a he added," iveare here to-day and perhaps we shall be gone to-morrow or next year." Mr Ellison: That was the intention of the Committee. Mr Ford Very good. Mr Jarvis said he did not wish to raise any objection whatever to the general scheme or improvement, yet he could not hold up his hand in favour of the Committee's report in its present form. It was practically giving the Streets' Committee the power to deal with a oiatter which affected the property of the Council as they pleased. If they would put their recommendation into definite form then the Council would know whether they could accept it or not. The Clerk said they would not have any power to put the Council's seal to the document. That I must come before the Council. Mr Ellison: I believe that the Surveyor has the plans and specifications of all the proposed alterations showing the thing as agreed upon by the Council. Everything has been passed by the Council, only an objectionable clause was intro- duced with regafd to the time limit. These Mr Jarvis can see and satisfy himself. Mr Ford Before the seal is attached we shall have an opportunity of raising any point. Mr Jarvis That meets my objection entirely. THE REFUSE DESTRUCTOR AT LAST The Sanitary Committee stated that they bad very carefully considered the question of the refuse destructor, and interviewed the chairman of the directors of the company also. They now recommended that the tender of the Horsfall Destructor Company be accepted, and that all necessary and proper steps be taken to finally complete all plans, drawings, etc and enter into the contract for commencing and carrying out the work without delay. Mr Barnes, seconded by Mr Forster, moved, the adoption of the recommendation. Mr Evans said he had been given to understand that supplementary plans had been got by the committee in addition to the original scheme, aDd would like to know whether that was coirect. Mr Barnes: That is so. Mr Evans thought they should have been before the Council and approved. Mr Barnes said the whole qupst. on had been discussed at the Council, and the revised plans adopted. They would be a great improvement on the scheme. The supplementary plans involved little alteration. Mr George: There is additional expenditure. Mr Ford Will it exceed the .£600 ? Mr Barnes No, about -6.550. The recommendation was agreed to. A NEW FIRE ENGINE WANTED. The Fire Brigade Committee reported that they had met several times, and had under their con- sideration the important question of the pro- vision of better equipment for the Fire Brigade, and the acquiring of an up-to-date Steam Fire Engine. They had been in correspondence with different makers of engines, and obtained approx- imate prices of the same. In order to assist them in arriving at a decision of the merits of the different types of engine suitable for the town's requirements, they had, upon the invitation of the firms, visited Llandrindod and Builth Wells, where steam engines had been acquired, and were satisfied that the engine now in use by this Council was almost obsolete, and in order to bring up the brigade to anything like a degree of effici- ency, a steamer should be purchased and tenders asked for from the firms. The most suitable engine for the requirements, the Committee thought, would be that capable of delivering 400 to 450 gallons per minute, and the approximate I costs from .£350 to X400. The committee wished to express their thanks for the courteous way they were received by the Llandrindod and Builth Wells Urban District Councils, and for the kindness extended to them on the occasion of their visit. They were still considering the question of arranging for the purchase of the engine, and hoped to submit a scheme to the next meeting. They asked the Council to sanction, the cost of their expenses incurred upon their visits— £ 2 15s. Mr Jarvis jocularly asked how the .£2 15s. was made up (laughter). The Clerk: The money, I believe, was very judiciously spent. Mr Forster (aside) Nothing was spent in drink. Mr Ford: If it was a wet day, it was not neces- sary (laughter). The committee's report was adopted. MISCELLANEOUS. The Farm and Stabling Committee stated that they had accepted the tender of Mr David Evans for corn for the ensuing three months. The Medical Officer of Health and also the Sanitary Inspector were re-appointed. Mr Ellison said that in going through the Standing Orders he found there was one very important omission, and there might be more. He moved that a committee of three be appointed to revise the Orders and report. This was agreed to, and the committee ap- pointed consisted of Messrs Jarvis, Forster, and Ellison. It vvag resolved that the Council should give a testimonial to Mr Turner, the assistant clerk, who had left for another situation, the Clerk remarking that Mr Turner had been a very faithful young man. It was also decided to make arrangements for cleaning the town clock, and to thank Mr Breeze Ford for muffling the chime on the day of the King's funeral. Mr Jarvis remarked that he thought the clock should not always be kept five minutes fast. The Council then rose after a sederunt of two hours. In another part of the C Express' will be found the discussion on the water works.

THE GREAT TRIUMPH. Tuesday witnessed n great and memorable triumph of benignant Liberal policy, of which we heard many carping criticisms in Montgomery- shire at the general election. It was a day of great gladness in South Africa—the day of the South African Union. a union of hearts between Briton aDd Boer, an obliteration of all the war's bitterness. The Secretary of State for the Colonies sent the following message to the Governor-General of South Africa The King commands me to express through you to the people of South Africa, on the first day' of the Union, his earnest hope and strong con- II fidence that the new Constitution will, under Divine Providence, further the highest welfare of South Africa and add strength to- the Empire. The King h313 been graciously pleased to confer the dignity of a Baron of the United Kingdom I upon the Right Hon. Sir John Henry de Villiers, K C.M.G., on the occasion of the establishment of the Union of South Africa. Sir John has been also appointed Chief Justice of the newly consti- tuted Supreme Court of South Africa. It is no doubt due chiefly to the services which he, as President of the Closer Union Conference, rendered to the cause of South Africa that Sir J. H. de Villiers had now been created a Baron of the United Kingdom. He was born in 1842, filled the office of Attorney-G-eneral in Cape Colony between 1872 and 1874, and has been for over 35 years Chief Justice of the same Colony. Pretoria, May 31. Lord and Lady Gladstone, the members of the Cabinet, and a large congregation attended a special service at t e Cathedral this morning. Thence Lord and Lady Gladstone and the Ministers proceeded to tbo Legislative Assembly for swearing-in. It was a distinguished gathering, but a sombre one owing to the mourning worn for the late King. General Botha, the premier of United South Africa, his fellow Ministers in the procession, and tlie Judges, headed by Sir John de Villiers, Chief Justice, having taken their places, Lord Gladstone, accompanied by a brilliant staff,, entered the Hall, and went to the Speaker's chair, in which he took his seat. A short and simple ceremony followed. The Commission appointing Lord Gladstone Governor- General was read in English and Dutch. Sir John de Villiers then administered the oaths to the Governor-General and the Cabinet. Lord and Lady Gladstone created a good impression. Capetown, May 31. Owing to the death of King Edward the general holiday throughout Cape Colony in celebration of the proclamation of the Union is celebration of the proclamation of the Union is being observed quietly. In Capetown several thanksgiving services were held, and attended by large congregations. The newspapers publish special numbers. The 'Cape Times' says the new Union Cabinet is somewhat weak, but the Ministry will not be criticised regarding lack of talent or capacity. The presence in it, however, of General Hertzog and Mr Fischer, adds the journal, impairs the wholehearted confidence with which it was desir- able the first Union Ministry should begin its labours. Johannesburg, May 31. The streets of Johannesburg are strikingly decorated on the occasion of the proclamation of the Union of South Africa. A united service of the various denominations was held in the Market-square this morning, and special services were held at the churches. Ten thousand children took part in the demonstration. BOTHA'S MINISTERS. There are some interesting contrasts among the new Ministers of the British Crown in South Africa, their personal histories are as varied as the interests they represent. Generals Botha, Smuts, and Hertzog won military honours in the war 1 against the British dominion Mr Malan edited Ons Land," and suffered a year's imprisonment for alleged libel on General French during the war; Mr Hull, on the other hand, was one of the I Uitlanders imprisoned by President Kruger, and ♦ ought under General BrRbant. He was one of Lord Milner's advisers at the Bloemfontein Con- ference of 1S99. Them could be no better tribute to the strength of th,, new spirit of conciliation than that these men should join hands in loyal acceptance of the new conditions. General Botha's colleagues are chiefly drawn from the Liberal wing of the Afrikander party. The Premier himself was originally one of the "Young Boers" who assailed President Kruger's antiquated theories of government, and his pre- sent colleagues are for the most part men of similar tendency. Tim more partisan element is not entirely excluded. General Hertzog stands for an educational system which has roused vio- lent opposition among the English speaking sec- tion of the Orange River. Francois Stephanus Malan bears an honoured Hugenot name, and he, too, is a man characteristically Dutch in his sym- pathies and his patriotism. Men of a somewhat different stamp are Mr Sauer and Mr Fischer, who reinforce the debating and administrative strength of the new Government. Mr Sauer has had long experience in successive Governments of Cape Colony. Mr Burton, the son of an English resi- dent magistrate, has been Attorney-General of Cape Colony, and now accepts the portfolio of Native Affairs. His appointment may reasonably be accepted as an indication that the policy of Cape Colony, more Liberal than any of the other South African states in its attitude to natives, will have due weight in the councils of United South Africa. It is safe to predict that the new Government will recognise the preponderant importance of the agricultural interest in South Africa. Its members are chiefly men who, without undar- rating gold and diamonds—Mr Hull has been legal adviser to many of the mining magnates— realise that the peimauent prosperity of South Africa depends on its farmers. General Botha owns a beautiful estate outside Protoria, where he entertains in generous fashion, adequately supported by his distinguished wife, whose grand- father was a brother of the Irish patriot Robert Emmet, who was hanged as a rebel in 1803, and the General holds advanced ideas on agricultural matters; the old-fashioned go-as-you-please farming receives no encouragement from him, and he has reserved for himself the portfolio of Agriculture. Mr Moore, Minister of Commerce and Industries, started life as a diamond digger at Kimberley, but gave up mining for agriculture in 1879. In his own picturesque language, he found potatoes more valuable than diamonds, and he is keenly interested in the development of South African agriculture and of collateral industries. He him- self breeds ostriches at his farm near Estcourt. There is ability and diversity enough in the new Cabinet, and it assuredly has the good wishes of public opinion of all shades in this country and of many moderate-minded South Africa who do not see their way to complete agreement with it.

Extending Out-Relief. FORDEN GUARDIANS FAVOURABLE. That Boards of Guardians should be empowered to grant out relief for a period not exceeding one month to unemployed able-bodied married men in order to enable them to support their wives and families while looking for work, if it be proved that such able-bodied men are steady and deserv- ing, and are making every effort to obtain employ- ment. The Forden Board of Guardians, last Wednes- day, adopted this proposal from the Hendon (Middlesex) Union. Mr J. Pryce Jones, in mov-v ing the resolution, which was seconded by Mr T. Rogers, said they had just.relieved such a case.

Stitch in Time. There is an old saying, A stitch in time saves nine," and if upon the first symptoms of anything being wrong with our health we were to resort to some Simple but proper means 01 correcting the mischief, nine-tenths of the suffering that. invades our homes would be avoided. A dose of Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters taken when you feel the least bit. out of sorts is just that. stitch in time." You can get. Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters at any Chemists or Stores in bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each but. remember that the only guarantee of genuineness is the name "Gwilym Evans" on the label, stamp, and bottle, without which none are genuine. Sole ProprietorsQuinine Bitters Manu- facturing Company, Limited, Llanelly, South Wales.

Welsh the Cause of Backwardness. At. a conference the other day oi the gov- ernors "f intermediate schools in Carnar- vonshire and the committee which has been entrusted with the revision of the secondary scheme in that county, reference was made by one of the witnesses examined to the imperfect, knowledge uf English pos- sessed by young persons turned out of the elementary schools. This gentleman, who is on the staff of one of the North Wales Colleges, asserted that English was a sub- ject m which young men who entered that institution from certain parts of North Wales were extremely backward, and the opinion was expressed by more than one at the conference that this state of tilings was indirectly, if not. directly, due to the promi- nence given to the compulsory teaching of Welsh in the day schools.

The Unharmony of. Choirs. Dr Bridge, Chester, in the course of an address as adjudicator at the Oswestry Village Choir Fesival, said that. such fes- tivals must do good if they were arranged in the proper manner. Of course, compe- titions like that must not be used as a form of general pot-hunting—simply for the sake of cups, mugs, or money,—though in many cases money had to be raised to meet. out-of-pocket expenses. They had seen sufficient in the past of the evils resulting from very large eisteddfodau, etc. In fact, nothing could exceed these evils. If a choir did not get the prize it dissolved, because its members got disgusted with themselves while it not infrequently happened, when they did get the prize, that they dissolved because of quarrel over the division of the profits (laughter). Competitions. like every- thing else, must be used in a proper man- ner. If a choir won, let them not think they had learnt all that there was to know, for in music the further one went the more there was to know.

LLANERFYL. THE FAIR.—The monthly far WAS held on Wednesday. Some litters of pigs fetched good prices, but sheep are still low. RETURN.—Mr R. J. Jones, headmaster of the Endowed School,—who has been indisposed for some time-bas resumed duties. Mr Jones was granted leave of absence by the Education Authority, and spront the time at his heme in Carmarthenshire, and we are glad to learn that his health is much benefited. AUCTION.-There was a large attendance at the auction held fit the Wynnstay Hotel on Wednesday, when Mr W. Story offered for sale several lots of the residue of the late Mr W. H. Gardiner's estate. The bidding for some of these was very brisk, but ultimately the tenants were able to secure their tenements. ElIIIGRATIOX.- Two young men, Mr Tom Wynnp, Plas Craen, and Mr Evan R. Watkin, Dolau Ceinion, sailed from Liverpool on one of the Dominion liners, Saturday week. It is their intention to settle in the Edmonton district., in the province of Saskatchewan, which at present offers exceptional advantages to young farmers. THE WEATHER.—It is an ill wind that blows nobody good, and while much damage was wrought, no doubt, among fruit trees and flower- beds by the recent winds, the farmers generally welcomed the copious showers of rain which followed. Potato-planting and seed-sowing are now practically over at most of the farms, and these operations, as well as other farm crops, will benefit considerably. SUCCESSES.—We are pleased to note that at the recent scriptural examination held under the auspices of the Congregational Union in the Llanfair district, Master John W. Blainey and Miss Harriet Blainey were successful in gaining first and second prizes in their clases. These children were also similarly placed on the list of prize-winners for regular attendance at Hafod Council School some time previously, >

LOCAL OBSERVATIONS BY A TRAMP. Newtown folk are being spurred up a bit- by the presence of t.he Ye-.inanry, and tl1(,e of our fair sisters matrimonially ambitious are having a good innings. The cmitst, country lanes, now in an hE' glory of their \eruttl greenery, are here and thei;^ with the brilliance of a scarlet tunic, and their air is heavy with the fragrance of their air is heavy with the fragrance of love s old sweet s-'ny/' The peripatetic musician now given place to the wandering phonographic in- ,itruiiientalist. One such -truck a suburb d ewt own the other day. and the melodies eh. JJ~ned out. of the a:-thma,iic discs were vers terrible indeed. I !i<ened to it white playi °g golf, or rather, halted to listen, and I noticed that the kine and "heep threw up t'helr heads and mnbili-e<1 if in antici- pa-tiorr of some untoward ..ccurrence There was Hlmu:" a tragedy at the dinner table- in .a Welshpool hoTeJ last Monday, when a farmer, after remarking that he was getting tired of reading about the comet's tail, added—" In fact, the comet's stale." The remains of a joint in the grip of bucolic paw threatened to descend upon th* delinquent's black pate. ■while knives and forks clattered and flourishes} menacingly. Take the turijing to the left where the ad bifuserates,' is i1..w local sage dj- rected a stranger from Xev.wwn to Kerry last week. W ho's got a dictionary ? A loyal cfwel wants tf if when he uses By George as an innocent swear- word he is guilty uf Jese n-aieste. Llanidloes Pablicaji Yes. your friend was in here at closing- time last night. Mill Hand (bad after the previous night's carousal): Did y"u notice if 1 was with him ? A fanner fell asleep in T Church h.t- Sunday. and suddenly gave to a snore such as drew all eyes in ;1Îs direction. He was a bit knowing, however, for waking up through his own artillery-be promptly turned to a meek-looking leI chap sitting' immediately behind, and knavish.ly stared at him as though lie were "he guilty partv. The meek and innocent ■ ne felt convicted, and blushed. Among the crown at the Yeomanry Camp. —Blue serge-suited individual to a friend in Panama 1(m. you 'mind me oi an Aus- tralian tea planter in that hat." "Great Scott," replied the latter. They dunna grow tea in Australia, it's chicory." And the serge-suited know-all slunk • ff home to con- sult his encyclopaedia. I wants a pair of Sunday boots for tljj lad," commanded a buxom dame of a New- town shoemaker the other evening. "Yes'm." said the shopkeeper. "French kid. per- haps." Not at all. sir ne was born in Skinners'-street. and both me and my hus- band were born in Mochdre." Some Llanidloes mother's palm is idle I observed a nipper about six marching up Great Oak-street on Saturday puffing l. woodbine." the envy a bevy of com- panions. I hope lie -ufiered an enduring sickener. Some folk think that summer has arri-ve-IL when the policeman lias doffed his great coat. Others contend that its advent is proved when the foot can cover seven daisies. Again, there are those who assert that it comes with the appearance of the strhiv hat. But there is no official opening of the straw hat season, for 1 know of a prominenet individual who has worn a. "straw" through- out. the winter, probably to encourage his scanty hirsute crop. Sometimes the "straw" season starts as early as April sometimes when May is wet and broken, its advent is delayed till well on in June. But for a month or so there have been isolated speci- mens on view. Up till now, however, the business man has remained faithful to the bowler. It is to be noted that where the hat, was last year's resuscitated, a new plain black ribbon has been in most cases substi- tuted for the more or less conspicuous coluurs that twelve months" ago were shown. The best way of seeing the comet is h, stand firmly and look steadily upwards until you get a crick in the neck. If you haven "t got your eye on it by that time you can say you saw Halley all the same. No one can contradict you. THE TRAMP.

HOUSEHOLD HINTS. Always put fresh meat into boiling water. The secret of all good cooking is well basting, say every quarter of an hour. Always put salt meat into cold water, and bring to boil gradually. When making fruit salads keep all fruit when prepared in separate basins until re- quired. This causes each fruit to retain its. own flavour. Be careful in making pastry to roll always the same way. and touch as little as possible with the hands. Cooked asparagus tips make a nice addi- tion to an omelet. Boiled green peas can be used in the same way. If cleaning real lace. spread it out on a sheet of white paper. Cover with fine cal- cined magnesia, place another paper over, and press between two pages of a bulky book for a day or two. The powder may then be shaken off, and the lace will be lound quite clean. Eggs fried in olive oil are preferred 1;y some epicures to -th.-se fried in butter. They are more delicate, and the egg is not so likely to burn. Pastry to be cut sharply and neatly re- quires that the knive> and fancy cutters 1, dry. clean, and floured. The only other way of cutting is to clip them in' br,iling water and use them at once. If you wish to free the milk almost en- tirely of cream, place it in broad, flat pan-, not more than one inch deep. but if you wish to retain the cream for a time. put it in a deep, narrow vessel. Mackerel, when fresh, are bright green. with black stripes; when stale, they get a dull coppery hue. and the -tripes on the back are less marked. In season May, June, and July, and again in October. Do not throw kid gloves away when the fingers become worn out. They make novel and stylish button cov- ers for trimming gowns. They may also be used for binding tbe- rims of hats or coat collars and cuffs. Kid is, in fact, exceedingly fashionable for these purposes. Pompons and fringes are made from jn-t such seemingly useless articles by girls who are clever with their fingers. Belts may be formed from the sortie source also. And. finally, there is the old-fashioned- pen-wiper, so soft that it never blunts or scf&tchea the most delicate pen.

Mr. David Davies, M.A. Mr David Davies, M.P., Plasdinam, received the degree of M.A. at the Cambridge University a few days aero. The County Member was a student at King's College, where he took his B.A. degree with honours in history.