The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

THE YOUNG LIBERALS LEAGUE. In its report to the annual meeting of the Boroughs' Liberal Association, the Ex- ecutive Committee passed well-deserved praise upon the admirably effective work of the Young Liberal Leagues at the gen- eral election, and very properly urged the permanency of these organisations in each of the boroughs. It is, perhaps, no exag- geration to say that the young Liberals, banded enthusiastically as they were to the cause of a candidate whose views had in some measure disappointed them, turned what seemed certain defeat into a splendid victory.. Their loyalty and self-sacrificing devotion were among the most gratifying features of that memorable campaign. In our opinion they will soon be called again into action. The coming fight will test both their strength and their loyalty, and demand an almost unexampled effort. There is a cause to promote, as well as rights to defend. Democracy's account with the pretensions and arrogance of an here- ditary House of Peers has to be settled once and for all. The British admiral, when he faced the Dutch fleet off Cam- perdown, told his men that they must either sink it, or it would sink them. Such is the present position of Liberalism. Mr Balfour has impudently enough declared that the Unionist party must still control, whether in power or in opposition, the des- tinies of the Empire. This is the Tory chal- lenge to Liberalism. Clear and distinct in its arrogance, this is the insolent message to young Liberals.

RECKLESS MATRIMONY. John Lyly expressed a universal truism when he said that as love knoweth no laws, so it regardeth no conditions. The reck- lessness of this regard formed the attractive subject of a pulpit homily by the English Congregational minister of Welshpool last Sunday, the text of which provides inter- esting reading in another column of to- day's Express.' It is a subject which de- mands courage of him who would treat of it purposefully, and in this quality Mr Stroud Williams does not fail. The indis- creet unions formed of boyish caprice and girlish romance" started a realistic story of intense human interest, descriptive of the miseries and tragedies of blind infatua- tion incapable of that discernment and dis- crimination so vitally essential to happy matrimonial alliance. Passion in any form invariably works ahead of reason, and love quarrels quicker than most things with any counsel or restraint which tries to divert it from the object of accomplishment but the moral teacher who speaks with recognised authority does well to discolour the glamour of youthful romance by practical illustra- tions of the sober, stern actualities that lie beyond the stage of courtship. Mr Wil- liams pleads for a sane mutual study of character as the foundation of happy mar- ried life, for a wise, well-considered, prayerful choice," for the elimination of selfish desire by which men contrive to ac- quire not a wife, companion, or helpmeet, but a mere ornamental addition to their es- tablishments and also for a more prudent calculation of ways and means which will arrest recklessly ill-timed unions. Such wholesome, guiding, steadying homilies from the pulpit have the virtue of influenc- ing and directing the youthful mind with- out exciting that intolerance with which parental or friendly advice is usually received.

VOTES FOR WOMEN. The Woman's Suffrage movement has made a distinct advance through the me- dium of Mr Shackleton's bill for the po- litical enfranchisement of female house- holders. A second reading has been prom- ised by the Premier for the measure, but there the question is likely to suffer at least a temporary postponement, "in view of the exigencies of other Parliamentary business and the Government's decision not to prosecute contentious legislation." Regarding the Bill itself, it is difficult to oppose it on principle.. It demands a vote for women who pay taxes on the same principle which obtains in matters munici- pal. To most people that must appear just, reasonable, and necessary. It is an ac- cepted rule that they who pay the piper should have a voice in calling the tune. A limited female franchise of this kind can- not fairly be objected to, but the extension of the vote to women lodgers would only too readily find support from the Tory party. Under the lodger franchise the man-1 sion might possess half-a-dozen daughters all qualified by a household value, but in the humble cottage few unmarried women could claim to be put on the register.

GOLF GOSSIP. [By COLONEL FOOZLER.] I am glad to observe that the committee uf the Newtown Club have appreciated the necessity for safeguarding players at the first and second greens by the river side. A notice erected upon the tree by the first tee makes it imperative that care shall be taken to ascertain the position of players in that part of the course before a stroke is made over the embankment. Personal ob- servation of several seeming providential escapes from nasty smacks" attests the wisdom of this warning. Will players please trouble to be considerate enough of ejich other's saftey ? I have already said that it remains for some serious accident to teach a salutary lesson on this course where "crossing" is general. Time and again I notice among the younger golfers a degree of impatience which must be disciplined, and the Com- mittee ought to realise their responsibility in this matter by plain-worded regulations that are meant to be enforced. Just another word on the subject. of mutual consideration. The other evening I was playing with two friends, one of whom pulled his drive into the river near by the spot where the fishing stick should lie upon its supports. But no stick was there. In- vestigation discovered it lying on the bank between the third hole and the" pulpit." tee. Now the player who left it there is one of those selfish individuals whose dis- regard for the convenience of others ought to be exemplarily censured. It is of a piece with the divotees" who troubles naught over the miniature pits which lie or she digs for the vexation of others. The pleasure of golf is much dependent upon mutual re- spect, and I make a present of this reminder to all delinquents. The Machynlleth Club suffered a some- what severe defeat at Newtown last week, when, of all the members of the team, my esteemed friend, Dr A. O. Davies, alone survived. His game with the Rev E. Jones- Williams was stubbornly fought and squared at the home green. The genial doctor was entitled to plume himself over a half with such an excellent player on his own course. Welsh golfers are agitating for the privi- lege of holding the Amateur Championship, since the opportunity is open for them to have their interests in the Royal and Ancient game recognised. They intend bringing before the attention of the Selec- tion Committee the Porthcawl course, or Ashburnham, or Southerndown. The only drawback to Wales, as it has been in pre- vious years with Ireland, is that the num- ber of golfers from these countries who com- pete in the Amateur Championship is very limited, and although the courses are quite class enough, the question is the conveni- ence of the greater number of players in travelling to the venue. At the time of writing, the blue riband of golf has not yet been awarded, and the championship at St. Andrew's will be de- cided too late to enable me to treat of it this week. But a few impressions of some of the greater contestants may not be unin- teresting. -This year the open championship is invested with inordinate interest, since it marks the jubilee of the tournament, and also gives an opportunity to each of the great triumverate, Braid, Taylor, and Var- don, of securing the trophy for the fifth time. Taylor has won the honours twice at St. Andrew's. I don't like Taylor," said a lady on the links he looks so cross." But he is really not, as a matter of fact. On the contrary, he is the best of company, and a jolly good fellow to boot. When he is down, and a big effort has to be made for victory, he has the habit of clinching his teeth and sticking out his broad jaw in such a manner that strikes terror and awe in the hearts of his opponents. Taylor's characteristic shot is the approach, which has been described by a humorist thus He walks forward, makes himself per- fectly rigid, jumps two or three times to get a view of the green, mops his forehead, jabs the ball, and falls dead. Jimmy Braid possesses the ideal golfing temperament, and is one of the finest ex- amples of the thinking golfer. Nothing in the ordinary course of the game puts Jimmy about, but as we saw at Llandrindod not long ago, he has little patience with the man who makes remarks round the putting green. Coolness when in difficulties is his chief quality. Who can forget his famous nine in the last round at Prestwick, after which he came away with phenomenal fig- ures, which ultimately enabled him to claim the championship ? His friends know him as a big-hearted, generous, modest Scot. His enemies—but, then, Jimmy has no enemies. That Harry Vardon has a genius for golf there can be no doubt. It is a genius of the same kind and class as made the play of young Tom Morris so remarkable. But Harry's genius for all other departments fails him at times on the putting greens. And I read he has been off his putting so far in this year's championship. Than Harry Vardon and Jimmy Braid no better combination from a tempermental stand- point is it possible to conceive. When the word triumverate is dropped, and the great golfing "quartette" is spoken of, Sandy Herd, the old St. Andrew's boy, is the one who is bracketted along with the three giants of the ancient game. I am hop- ing that the fates will be kind to good old Sandy, by whom a win at St .Andrew's would be popular among all classes of golfers. Arnaud Massy; the genial Frenchman, is going strong at present. His second round score of 68 at Brussels the other day was looked upon as remarkable. Not only is Massy a good winner, but he is perhaps a better loser, which is an even higher dis- tinction. His unfailing good humour never deserts him, and he believes that "it is far better to laugh than cry." From Friday's paper I notice with pleas- ure that Willie Smith, a fellow from my own county, heads the list, leading his brother Scott, Braid, by a point. At Car- noustie, his native place, he has played astounding golf he has annexed the high- est honours in America, and I shouldn't be surprised to see him finish, if not. first, among the first half-dozen. Tom Ball has been making such headway in the open event of recent years that his ultimate triumph as champion cannot surely be much longer delayed, though this year his second day's score does not promise very great things. Twice he has been runner-up in the open event he is the last winner of the Professional Golfers' Association £ 240 tournament, while only lately he gained a decisive victory in the Liverpool and district professionals' competition. Tom Ball's golf is at once the essence of scientifically applied skill. Man, Geordie, ye deevil ye're a fair clinker!" was Andrew Kircaldy's exclama- tion at the conclusion of one of George Duncan's exuberant rounds. The Aber- donian's carelessness is almost sacrilege. "He lounges up to the ball," says one writer, "glances idly down the course, and swish! it is gone. He scorns at the ritual of addressing and waggling. He treats the ball as if it were a fly to be brushed off his cheek. His airy recklessness terrifies you. But it is inspiring to watch it. One day George Duncan will settle down from being a golf genius to a golf champion." Will it be this year? At present I see he stands third on the list, and only two strokes be- hind the leader.

Welshpool Golf Club. CHALLENGE CUP COMPETITION: A TIE. The Welshpool Golf Club is going strong with a membership of 131-76 men and 55 ladies. How- ever, last Thursday's annual 18 hole competition for the silver challenge cup (presented by Mr David Davies, M.P.,) and a gold medal, attracted only 25 entries. But, though this number was less than last year's entry, the players showed a gratifying improvement on the whole. Play began at 10 a.m., and about 9 p.m. the result was made known, Sympathy was expressed with the favourite's misfortune, the top place being shared by W. Perry 91 14 77 W. Roberts 93 16 77 This tie will be play off to-morrow (Tuesday) at 5-30 p.m., and in the meantime one or t vo waggish members have not forgotten a reminder that last year's winner of the cup established the custom of filling the capacious trophy with champagne! The prize for the best gross score was won by T. B. Bardwell 89 8 81 The cards returned by the above three players were as follows: Out: W. Periry 4 5 5 5 49 4 6 4-46 W. Roberts 444667554-45 T. B. Bardwell 4 4 4 6 5 6 56 5-45 Home: W. Perry 3 5 4 6 4 7 5 7 4-45 W. Roberts 5 5 4 5 5 8 46 6-48 T. B. Bardwell 4 5 3 4 5 6 57 5-44 The othei scores included Rev E. D. Morgan 92 14 78 H. J. Molineux 94 12 82 J. Black 105 22 83 E. Gwàlchmai 106 23 83 F. G. Howarth 101 16 85 H. E. Harrison 104 19 85

SEEN AND HEARD. Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught ID maliee. SH.KSSPEABB. Apart, from its physical benefits, so strongly urged by medical authorities, "camping out" in these days of glorious dawns and entrancing sunsets yields de- lights indescribable. Together with a few friends, I have been a camper" during the past week. Our tent is pitched upon a verdant knoll which commands an inspir- ing prospect of the Severn valley, from the grey, rugged steeps of Plynlimon to the majestic Breidden. From the sylvan'd vale which now proclaims the leafy month with a charming splendour of foliage, the sweet, fragrance of the new-mown hay rises to enrich the perfume of the wild flora 'midst which we squat the air is full of music from dawn till dewy eve, and we revel, un- restrained by conventialities, in the brac- ing, invigorating freedom of our picturesque snowy-white citadeel, high o'er whose sum- mit floats the emblem of our proud patriot- ism. I am forbidden to locate precisely our dwelling-place, for the reason that the number of our friends far exceeds the facilities for reception and the resources of our hospitality. Upon the western hip of this knoll, by the way, there stands a gnarled old oak, which has probably braved the storms of a century, and has survived the blighting brushes of lightning that have left bare patches upon his broad brow. Years ago the former tenant of this hillside possessed an old grey mare, which was worth more to him than all that science has produced in the shape of barometers. For when the mare was sighted 'neath this lonely oak, the farmer could confidently rely upon a dry day when she broused in the low- lands, he knew that Pluvius was opening his sluice-gates. Once for several days rain had fallen unintermittently upon his crop of over-ripe hay, and with the servants, he watched eagerly for a cheering sign from the sagacious beast. But nightly they re- tired to rest and rose on the morrow 'midst an eternal patter, and the harvest outlook was becoming dismal .indeed, when at last, in the early hours, the white form of the good little mare was descried under the old oak. Farmer John was beside himself with delight. "Cvme on, boys come away, quick!" he hollared to his servants "let's at. the hay for all we're worth, for though it still drizzles, the weather's bound to take up. The ould mare has never de- ceived me. The sun '11 be out in a jiffy. Let's put our backs into it, lads, and the wife'll see that we don't die o' thirst." But little of the crop had been cut when the deluge descended anew, and with in- creased volume, and, driving the har- vesters back indoors, kept them there for the remainder of the day. Yet the mare stood stolidly on the height beside the tree whisking away the flies that sought. to shelter beneath her brush. The farmer, angered by her first deception, made up the hill to chastise the creature with a switch cut from the hedge. But anger developed infuriation when he be- held the faithful mare tied by some wag- gish hand to the trunk. Whether he ultim- ately discovered the author of the jest the story does not tell. Both farmer John and the ould mare have gone to their rest, but the brave old oak still looks down upon the picturesque homestead and the fair vineyard of their laborious days, through which the twining Severn, garlanded by the glory of wood and copse, sings an ever sweet song on its journey to the bosom of the ocean. But back to those bewitching sunsets and dawns, which provide the fascinations of our camp life. The magnificence of Wednesday evening's setting furnished a panoramic succession of incomparable pic- tures that will dwell long in our memory. Newtown was scarce visible through the thick veil of a deluge which descended from an ugly bank of thunder-charged clouds directly overhead, and to the east the Breidden and Moelygolfa peaks could just be discerned looming up through another purely local storm. From our in- termediate situation, canopied by clear skies, we beheld these and other entrancing phenomena, and saw Sol go down behind the. Beiwyn range in a glorified halo of celestial colouring that painted the in- numerable cloudlets in gold, and ruby and sapphire, and silver and orange, and held the .eye and imagination spellbound by wondrous, magical ethereal changes, as though some supernatural artist were giving the heavens of his choicest touches. Oh, that hour of unutterable enchant- ment 'twixt departing day and the deepen- ing dusk of darkening night, fraught with those imaginative fancies, mysterious shadowy unrealities which mark the twilight. Even to the most prosaic mind there is an element of mystery, an inde- finable touch of the supernatural about the fall of night. There is a subtle spell in the gathering gloom, when the hills and woods silhouette themselves in purple majesty against a sky of crimson and gold. The glamour of the gloaming appeals most strongly to the mind attuned to mystic things. In the twilight, especially viewed from this summit of ours, we ponder over the ever-increasing wonder and mystery of life, and reflect that the gladness and sorrow, the peace and unrest, the craving and satisfying, the joys and pains are so in- scrutably woven together, that it is puzzling to say where the one ends and the other begins. Then it was night o'er which Luna shone to preserve our picture in a paler colouring. How beautiful this night! Heaven's Ebon vault Studded with stars unutterably bright, Through which the moon's unclouded grandeur rolls, Seems like a canopy which love has spread To-curtain her sleeping worlds. Silence how dead Creation sleeps; 'tis as the general pulse Of life stood still, and nature made a pause, An awful pause! Prophetic of her end. Again the dawn! The wind comes up gently from the east, and all the world stirs with an infinitude of twittering and shiver- ing the pale grey of the sky gives place to gold the crimson arc appears above the horizon, waxing until Old Sol poises in the heavens, and, lo, it is day! Here we are enabled to appreciate to the utmost the peerless beauties of nature, to drink deep of its cleanness and purity and gladness, and steep our very souls in its bounty. LUKE SHARPS.

CONFUSING. Among the latest batch of Parliamentary bills sent to us by the Borough Member, is included the Rates Bill of Sir Alfred Cripps, to whom and other Tories like Lord Hugh Cecil, has occurred an idea for over- coming 'the passive resister by means of allowing the ratepayer to earmark his rate. Under this measure the objector to de- nominational schools would have the privi- ledge of allocating his money to Council schools only, and, on the other hand, Churchmen would direct the appropriation of their rates for Anglican schools. Every- body wishes to witness a settlement of this vexed denominational difference in the sphere of educational administration, but few people will approve a plan such as that. If a tax is a just one, it ought to be levied on all citizens if it is unjust to levy it upon all, it cannot be a good tax. Who can fail foresee the confusion that would ensue if all ratepayers had the power to apportion their taxes as they thought fit, or according to their political and denominational par- tiality ? This Bill will be laughed aside.

MOURNING. We notice that the Vicar -s.of Llanyblod- well, who now and then launches an ar- resting declaration, has been censuring the excessive use of mourning. It is a delicate question to handle, but mournful trappings, like wedding displays, account for a need- less expenditure of money by people least able to afford it, and in their interests, if for nothing else, the fashion calls for re- proval. But we are surely, if slowly, de- parting from severe mourning manners, since the Jew clad himself in sackcloth and put ashes on his head. The hearse with its black plumes has gone, and weepers" are almost a memory, save in remote places, where tradition is always strong. Happily, the whole character of the outward expres- sion of grief has been relieved by a de- parture from dismal draperies, and the process will go on. It will be a good thing for the poorer people, whom the conven- tional clothes taxes at a time when the burdens are heavy enough. The measure of one's sadness or gladness should not be gauged by the colour of one's habiliments.

MORE RIGID INSPECTION NEEDED. Milk vendors, like most other traders in food and drink, are not in love with in- spectors. These officials are always in the wrong place according to people who have cause to fear them. Yet the army of in- spectors will be increased in future. Mere consciousness of illegality does not prevent adulteration and the use of preservatives, and many towns have found that the task of tracking down and proving this kind of fraud is much too costly. Hence the neces- sity for Government action, which will come through a Pure Milk Bill and other desira- ble measures. Inspection of a more rigid kind has become necessary, unless we are to allow ourselves to be defrauded in the spirit of mild submission.

AN HONOUR FOR THE BOROUGH MEMBER. The list of birthday honours does not contain many striking surprises. Only two Welshmen have been recognised, one of them being the Member for the Montgom- ery Boroughs, whose decoration as Knight Commander of the Indian Empire is a well- won recognition of official service. Mr Rees is an acknowledged authority upon India and Indian affairs, and a veritable mine of information, which has been re- peatedly exploited for Government pur- poses. We congratulate the hon. member upon this latest laurel placed upon a dis- tinguished career. By the way, the sugges- tion has been made that in his quest of yet untapped sources of revenue, Mr Lloyd George might derive a substantial income from a graduated scale of taxes levied upon new titles. Such a tax is not likely to raise the objection that it would drive capital out of the country.

u. 0. w. Startling Revelations Expected. HOW ABERYSTWYTH STUDENTS GET TO KNOW. On Wednesday a protracted meeting of the Executive Committee of the Council of the University of Wales was held in London to consider allegations relative to examinations in June of the present year. The system of examinations adopted by the Welsh University is that the heads of de- partments in each constituent college form what are called internal examiners, and join with external examiners in compiling papers set for examination,. and it is al- leged that students get somehow to know beforehand the nature of the questions set for examination. The result of the Executive Committee's deliberations was a resolution as follows:— The Executive Committee of the University of Wales, having decided that the written work sent in for all grades of the initial degree examination in the department of French, held in June, 1910, must be can- celled, has arranged that the examination shall be again held at the several colleges on July 5th and following days. The candidates who sat an examination in French in June at Aberystwyth, Bangor, and Cardiff, will therefore have to undergo a fresh examination in July. In the meanwhile, a strong committee, with Lord Kenyon at its head, has been appointed to sift the matter thoroughly. It is stated that at present the attentions of those delegated to solve the mystery are confined to a small circle of four individuals, and startling revelations may be made. It was at first alleged that the leakage had occurred at Aberystwyth, that the students at that College were in possession of the questions set in the papers before they sat formally for the examination, and that they had communicated their know- ledge to friends amongst the candidates entered for the examination at Cardiff Col- lege. This is now controverted in several quarters, and the suggestion is made that information leaked out originally at Cardiff- and that the Aberystwyth students got their knowledge from that quarter. Another point far more important to the University and to students is that the honourable character of the examinations of the University of Wales shall remain beyond suspicion, and all educationalists will hail with pleasure the strong action taken by the authorities to obviate such a suspicion. If the examination had not been cancelled, and if the matter is not thor- oughly exclaimed, it might be that gra- duates of the University will suffer for many years to come under the suspicion that their degrees are easily obtainable and ill-gotten. It is not suggested that the majority of the examinations in any of the other sub- jects are also liable to suspicion, and Ban- gor College students are not alleged to have received information before the ex- amination.

MACHYNLLETH. The Dovey Fisheries-The Board of Con- servators for the Dovey, Mawddach, and Glaslyn fishery district have made a bye- law for prohibiting the use of nets within certain specified distances of the mouths of the rivers Artro, Yscethin, and Dyssyni. A public enquiry for the hearing of repre- sentations for or against the bye-law will be held by Mr C. E. Fryer, the superintending inspector of fisheries, at Machynlleth on July 1st. Funeral.—The funeral of the late Mrs Mary Lumley Jones, whose death was an- nounced in our last issue, took place at the Nonconformist Cemetery on Monday, and was one of the largest ever seen in Machyn- lleth. All along the route to the Cemetery blinds were drawn and every token of re- spect was shown. The following ministers officiated The Rev Josiah Jones, the Rev Mr Davies (Corris), the Rev Fred J. Davies, the Rev E. Wnion Evans, and the Rev J. C. Jones late Llanfyllin), Eglwysfach. The deepest sympathy goes forth to Mr Lloyd Jones and Mrs Lumley (deceased's mother, who is in delicate health), Mr John Lumley, and Mr Fred Lumley (brothers), in their bereavement. Wesleyan Appreciation.—Mr Edward Rees, J.P., who is retiring from business in the town, has received a token of esteem and appreciation from the Wesleyans in the district for the good work he has done in the connexion. The meeting, over which Mr Rhys Owen, of Top, Corris, presided, was held in Tabernacle Wesleyan Church on Thursday, when a large number of Mr Rees' friends attended. A solid silver inkstand and salver were presented to him by the pastor of Tabernacle-the Rev Evan Isaac. Although looking comparatively youthful, Mr Rees has helped the Wesleyan cause for nearly half a century, and it was fitting that his reirirement from business should be ear-marked in this fashion. After the pre- sentation appreciative addresses were de- livered by the Rev Jacob Pritehard, the Rev J. H. Williams, Corris Mr David Jones, tailor and draper Mr William Evans, Eg- lwysfach Mr Evan Morgan, urban district councillor Mr W. Lewis. Under the con- dutcorship of Mr Ll. T. Humphreys, the children sang appropriate music, and Miss Jane Jones acted as accompanist. In feel- ing terms Mr Rees suitably acknowledged the presentation.

AMONGST THE COLLIERS. I WELCOME TO MR. DAVID DAVIES, M.P., AND HIS BRIDE. MRS DAVIES STARTS NEW MACHINERY. Nine hundred Glamorganshire school children and about 1,5U0 workmen gave a cheering reception last Thursday to Mr David Davies, M.P., and his wife, when they visited the mining town of Treharris. It was Mrs Davies' first acquaintance with the district, and she celebrated the event at the Deep Navagation Collieries by starting new machinery, the first of its kind to be used in this country-an ex- tensive electrical turbine plant, of the Sulzer Turbo type, which is to be used for the purpose of driving two electric hauling engines underground at a depth of 721 yards, and also two centrifugal pumps at a depth of 500 yards, delivering 750 gallons per minute. BOUQUET. AND BUTTONHOLE. Mr and Mrs Davies, accompanied by Mr William Jenkins, chief agent of the Ocean Collieries, drove to Treharris, and made a halt at the Central Elementary Schools, where about 900 children, congregated in the school yard, greeted them with loud cheers. Mrs Davies was presented with a beautiful bouquet by Master Harold Brunei Phillips, the little son of Mrs William Phillips, manager of the Treharris Col- lieries, and Miss Doris Jones, the little daughter of Mr Gwilym Jones, head mechanic of the collieries, stepped forward and gave Mr Davies a buttonhole. The children having sung Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" and Mam yr Eistedfod, bro'r geninen werdd," Mr Davies spoke a few words to them, impressing upon the boys the importance of drill. Escorted by a bodyguard of schoolboys, Mr and Mrs Davies drove through the crowded streets to the collieries, and were met at the entrance by Mr Jacob Rae, J.P., the agent, and other officials and about 1,500 workmen, who raised a hearty clieer, which was immediately followed by the crackling of fog signals placed on the rail- way within the works. Subsequently Mr and Mrs Davies, under the guidance of Mr Rae, made a tour of inspection, and were photographed amidst a large number of workmen who had just come out of the pit, having finished their day's work. COLLIERS' CONGRATULATIONS. Afterwards, Mr T. Andrews, J.P., check- weigher, on behalf of the workmen of the Deep Navigation Collieries, read a congra- tulatory letter to Mr and Mrs Davies, in which the following paragraph occurred:— Sir,—As the head of this great indus- try, we offer you our appreciation of your efforts in the public life of our country, and to express the fervent hope that amid your manifold duties you may fre- quently be granted the opportunity of meeting us, for we believe such meetings would be to our mutual advantage. We would like to see you take your place in the great council of owners and workmen engaged in creating and controlling the conditions under which this important coalfield exists." Mr Davies in a brief speech, which was punctuated with cheers, thanked the work- ers for the kind welcome they had extended to Mrs Davies and himself. It had been quite unexpected, and he could only tell them of the great pleasure it had given Mrs Davies and himself to have the opportunity of meeting them all. From the bottom of their hearts they thanked the workmen for their expressions of goodwill and good wishes. Mr and Mrs Davies then made their way to the engine-house, where Mrs Davies, amid cheers, started the new machinery. During luncheon at Bargoed House, the residence of Mr Rae, the Treharris Male Voice Choir, conducted by Mr Fred Evans, sang several pieces on the lawn, in honour of the hon. gentleman and his wife.

Another Honour for the Borough Member. Among the birthday honours, that of K.C.I.E. (Knight Commander of the Indian Empire) has been conferred upon Mr J. D. Rees, M.P. The only other honour to Welshmen is a baronetcy conferred upon Mr Prichard Jones, of Newborough, Anglesea, an educational philanthropist.

WELSHPOOL. Obituary.—Early last Tuesday morning there passed away Mrs Sarah Breeze, wife of Mr Alfred E. Breeze, Salop-road, and second daughter of the late Mr James Brick, Foxes Inn. The deceased lady was 49 years of age. She had been indisposed for about three years, but the end came somewhat suddenly she was as usual to- wards the week-end, but an attack of bron- chitis caused heart failure. Much sympa- thy is felt with the husband and the ten children who survive. The funeral took place on Friday at Christ Church, where the Rev Douglas Morgan (senior curate) officiated. The chief mourners were the husband James and George Brick (sons) Messrs J. Buckley Brick and Josiah Brick (brothers) Mr Frank D. Brick (nephew) and Mr W. Breeze, Pool Quay. The wreaths were from Her loving husband and family "A tribute of sincere sympathy from mother and sister-in-law With deepest sympathy from Tom and Polly" In affectionate sympathy and memory from all at the Foxes In loving sym- pathy from Joe and Bell" With deepest sympathy from Susie and Sydney "With Mr and Mrs G. M. Parry's deepest sympa- thy With deepest sympathy from Winnie and all at Sale Farm"; With sincere sympathy from the Misses Dawson, Ivy House Wilfred P. M. Langrick "A tribute of sincere sympathy from Mr and Mrs Gregory (White Lion Hotel) and family With deepest sympathy from Mrs Blair and family (Southport)" "With deepest sympathy from Mrs Jones." The Newest Refuse Depot.—With full power to act, the Sanitary Committee of the Town Council held an open-air meeting last Friday afternoon on a field between the Shropshire Canal and the Cambrian main line, a short distance beyond the ex- football field. Here the representatives of the ratepayers met Mr Forrester Addie (re- presenting Lord Powis, the owner) and Mr James W. Davies, butcher (the tenant) to arrange details for using a part of the Pwllau" for tipping the town refuse. Despite an assurance given at the last Council meeting that here we shall ob- viate the entire expense of drainage and that the place is above flood level," it was now. discovered that the town refuse will once more be tipped near running water. This is the Pysg brook, which has its source above Powis Castle, and finds its way into the Severn at the Horse Shoe." In the neighbourhood of the tipping place this brook, it was decided, should be piped. The field in question may be easily identified by the two large trees which mark the upper hedge adjoining the accommoda- tion road parallel, but under the level of the canal. It extends over nearly four acres, and the Sanitary Committee agreed to rent the lower portion on a yearly ten- ancy at 4:12, the tipping to be commenced on the brow of the bank, and the refuse to be fenced off at the Council's cost. The committee also agreed to give E20 as com- pensation for disturbance" to Mr J. W. Davies, who will retain the upper portion of the field. Moreover, a sum of £2 a year will be paid for a roadway to cart the refuse through this part of the field. The main- tenance of the accommodation road leading to the field was also discussed, and the Council's contribution was fixed at the sum of 91 a year. Despite the Medical Officer's assurance at the Council meeting that it would be unnecessary to cover with soil the refuse carted to this place, it was laid down that this must be done, and the committee decided to allot the task to one of its old workmen.

ALLEGED BEER ROBBERY From a Meifod Publican. Breaking into a Storeroom. Before the Llanfyllin Bench on Thursday John Williams and Henry Howells, timber hauliers for Messrs Barker, Shrewsbury, were charged with breaking into the storeroom of the King's Head Hotel, Meitod, and stealing a quantity of bottled beer and stont to tha value of .£1 7s lOd. Elizabeth Jehu, the innkeeper, said that on Friday morning, the 17th inst., she was in her bedroom window at about three or four o'clock and saw the prisoner Hemy Howells passing the house towards th& Lion Inn. Ten minutes after- wards she saw the other prisoner Williams come up from the direction of the stable yard where the storeroom is situate. He was carrying a heavy sack on his back which appeared to be full of bottles. He went in the direction of the Lion Inn. John Howard Jehu, son of the last witness, said that on Friday last, about nine o'clock in the morning he went into the storeroom. He ex- amined the wooden bolt and found marks on it as if it had been worked by some sharp instrument from outside. There was missing therefrom 16 j bottles of stout and 16 bottles of Bass. The cases had only been put in the storeroomon the previous day, and he checked them with the invoice. Since May 24th last he had frequently missed a quantity of bottled beer and stout from this storeroom. On Tuesday evening last he again examined the stores, and found that there were 12 bottles of Bass and six bottles of stout missing. P.C. David Thomas Williams deposed that on Tuesday morning, at about ten minutes past four, be saw the prisoners going towards the Lion Hotel, where they stabled their horses. Henry Howells was carrying on his back a sack which appeared to be full. He was not able to search them. Next morning, in company with P.O. Humphreys, he concealed himself near Upper Hall, Meifod, where the prisoners were working. At one o'clock he saw the prisoner John Williams go up to a timber waggon, and take something from the waggon. He then walked back to the horses, which were in charge of Henry Howells, and he saw him drinking from something as walking. When he reached the team he put what he was drinking from on the ground. The other prisoner went up to it, and he drank out of it. We then went up to the prisoners, and took possession of the bottle (produced), which was a pint bottle of Bass labelled by Richard Evans. He asked John Williams whose bottle it was. He said, I don't know whose bottle it is, the beer is mine." He asked him where he got the bottle from. He replied, I bought two one night last. week from Cowan's." He asked him if he had any more. He replied, "No." He searched the waegon, and prisoner then took out of the feeding bag another pint bottle of Bass. This was also labelled by Richard Evans, of (Jlanfy llin. He then told the prisoner that they were going to search his stable at the Lion Hotel. At five o'clock on Wednesday Mr Barker, the prisoner's employer, burst open the stable door at the Lion Hotel, and inside they found two pint bottles of Bass (produced), and after- wards found in the yard of the stables several empty bottles in Drew's cases. The cases were outside in the back. The bottles were labelled with Richard Evans' label, and some with Carter's label. At 8-30 they met the two prisoners, and told them they were going to convey them to Llanfyllin Police Station. Prisoner Howells asked, What have you got against me ? He told him he was taking him for warehouse break- ing. In reply, he said, "Well, good God, I am quite innocent." Afterwards, he spoke to Williams, and told him the same. He made no reply. Williams could hear what he said. That day he had cautioned and charged Howells. Howells said, I am quite innocent." He after- wards cautioned John Williams, and charged him also. In reply, Williams said, I suppose I must plead guilty, but the other was in with me." P.C. Robert Humphreys corroborated. Joseph Cowan, innkeeper of the Lion Hotel, Meifod, said he stored Drew's, of Oswestry, stout; he did not sell any of Richard Evans'. Both prisoners were committed to the Quarter Sessions, bail being allowed the prisoner Williams, himself in.410 and a surety for another .£10. The police objected to the prisoner Howells being granted bail as he had previous convictions against him, and bail was not allowed in his caee

Newtown Post Office In the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Rees asked the Postmaster General, whether it is the intention of the Government not to renew the lease of the present post office at Newtown; and, if so, whether he will ensure that prcmises in the immediate vicinity of the old post office shall, in the public interestp, be acquired for this purpose. Mr. Herbert Samuel: No decision has been arrived at. If, however, it should be decided not to renew the lease I will take care that the honourable member's suggestion is borne in mind.

Inspector Mytton. In the House of Commons, Mr Haydn Jones asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board have recently appointed a Mr Mytton as a temporary inspector where he is sta- tioned and, if in North Wales, whether he is conversant with the Welsh language. Sir Edward Strachey: Mr Mytton was appointed an assistant inspector on the 19th March, 1900. He is stationed at Chester. The Bicton Problem. It has been settled (says the Cambrian News') that the existing union between the county of Salop and the county of Mont- gomery in reference to the joint lunatic asylum shall be dissolved, and shall take effect in March next year. If Montgom- eryshire, Merionethshire, and Cardiganshire joined together, they might build an asy- lum, say, at Machynlleth, to serve the three counties. The present arrangements in Montgomeryshire, Merionethshire, and Cardiganshire are unsatisfactory."

With every mark of national mourning, of which the presence of the President of the Re- public afforded the supreme token, the naval heroes who went to their death in the French submarine Pluviose were laid to rest at Calais. 1

POOR MILK IN MONTGOMERYSHIRE. While it is pleasing to learn that fer- tilizers and feeding stuffs sold in Montgom- eryshire can pass the 11 satisfactory test of the analyst, the public milk supply would seem to demand a very. vigilant supervis- ion. Of the six samples submitted for analysis during the last quarter, half of them are pronounced to be very bad," and one of them, which had to be passed as genuine, was very near the minimum composition." In three instances the lack of "fat" was extraordinary, and it.would be interesting to know from the analyst if the fat had been extracted, or whether the poverty of the milk was due to indiffernt feeding or to the poor character of the cow. Nor are we given to learn the names of the persons who knowingly or ignorantly retail this inferior milk, unless they have already been prosecuted. Than publicity there is nothing more likely to exercise a salutary influence upon dairymen, and maintain a satisfactory milk standard. By all means let this be done.