The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

THE IIA'RYEST. 1 The harvest' b?inj» now completed, vre have ap- plied to prominent a<jricaltnmts in iiontgomerj- shire and Kadnoi'shiru to supply us witn tliei. opinion on the following points, lor publication ir the Express:— 1.—The probable yield, cereals and root crops. 2.—The prospects with regard to keep for stoeb duving the coming winter, and how they compart with previous years. 3.—The financial prospects of the farmer. Art they better or worse than they were a year ago ? 4.-Any suggestions calculated to benefit agri- culturists. The fellowing replies have been received, i, addition to those published last week. join cf tiae writers' names are omitted at their request IV. 1st. The probable yield of cereals. In the valleys Wheat, under average barley, average oats, mac over acreage. On the hill sides The corn will bt wiry and short in straw and much under average also the root crop will be under average whit,- leaves to he seen in the turnips now on the fields, aI, indication of ripening. fori The prospects of keep for stock during thf coming winter are very bad, hay oeing in the valleyr Not half the usual quantity and on the hill sides no a fourth. Straw very light, and probable light root .ùp. 3 d. The financial prospects of the farmer are worse than last year. Price of stock much the same as last year, but with heavy bills to meet for cikl and corn, to make up for hay place them in a worse position i'or the coming winter.. 4th. As to suggestions calculated to benefit agri- culturists, I will mention:-(a) Equalisation of rates, etc.; (H a more judicious mode of collecting rates (c) greater economy in the expenditure of the rates and (a) lower rents. D. V. Dear air,—To your four questions I beg to offel the following replies lijt. The probable yield, etc. Cereals, good in Juality and quantity on good land; quite the reverse fear on poor land, and even on good land not well- manured. Boot-crops, good on the whole. Mauj Jieids rather patchy. The mildew also, 1 fear, is iecting in ou early sown turnips. 2nd. About half the average quantity of hay and .bout two thirds the average quantity of straw. What there is ia good. and likely to be nutritious. fcfcould be used with great economy. 3rd. («) Bd: everything has been selling badly. (b) Worse, far worse; hundreds of them on their last legs. 4th. («) They should make every haste possible to Sow rye or buckwheat in land intended for turnips 3sext year, so as to have some keep for their sheep iu spring. (b) They must go in for a general reduction of rent at once, and agitate for a good Land Bill, which, amongst other things, should give farmers tar better security for unexpected impruvents. A TENANT OF 200 ACRES. VI. 1st, Cereals: Wheat and barley above the average, and bf excellent quality. Oats a fair yield, but rather thin. Roots Potatoes, a splendid crop, and free from disease. Swedes and turnips, generally good with but here and there a patchy field. The area of land under plough in this district is now very limited. 2nd. The comparative failure of the hay crops, the smallneas of the straw crops, and the total absence of fcg on most farms, combined with the utter un. aaleableoesa of store stock will make the coming winter the worst ever known. Much of course will depend upon the weather, as its character will either relieve or intensify the difficulty. 3rd. Very much worse, several farms already vacated. 4th. It ia now rather late to advise the sowing of c-ueh-oropa. A few farmers have taken advantage of the early harvest to sow turnips, rye, etc. A wholesale and permanent reduction of 50 per cent. in the rents is needed. N. D. T. WATKIN. Penarth, Llanfair. VII. 1.—I am unable to give a good account of the yield, so muoh having been threshed yet in thisi neighbour- Itood owing to the scarcity of water. Wheat, not much sown. The straw is about two- thirds of an average crop, but I expect the yield will be good ac* cording to the quantity of straw, and the sample good. Barley is certainly the beat crop of the year, but a little under the average got in very wall, and is expected to turn out a good Bample. Oats, straw very short, and much under the average probably w:U yield well. Mangolds, done fairly well. Swedes, eany sown have done well up to this last fortnight; some fields are now getting badly mildowad for the want of rain; the late sown ones look very bad, *6 *rcely anything bat leaves. 2.—1 never knew the prospect for winter anything like so bad almost heart-breaking to face it. Clover, Jialf a crop. Hay, only a quarter of a crop a field where usually one had twelve loads off, only had three this year. If it comes a hard winter it will be very serious indeed. 3.—The financial position of the farmer is very JIluch worse, owing to the very low price of every- thing which tbe farmer had to sell during the last year. 4.—I scarcely know what to suggest to benefit the farmer. The only thing which seems to be to me is to look to the landlord fcr help. I don't see that the pates can be lowered much, neither do I think that the farm labourer's wages are too high. J.E. Buttington. ~VIII. I.-Who-&t seemq to be a good yield according to stray. Oate and barley, a fair crop. Clover, an ftvecupe crop. Hay, not half a crop, and aftermath 4doge not hold maca grazing. Potatoes had not a good #t±rt, but a fair crop considering the weather. Swedes, a fair crop, but are effected with mildew for want of rain. The prospect for winter looka very ffloomy, not half the keep for stock as in former years. The farmers are far worse off this year than a year ago. Payments are higher than last year, farm produce and store stock are making very little »an*y. I don't know what will come of us poor JiLrmers just now. IX. I.-The yield of grain this season in proportion to Atraw will be g-ood, but the straw generally round jaere is 20 per cent. below an average quantity. The grain yield will probably come within ten per cent. of an average crop. Barley requires less rain than other cereals, and this with us is the beat crop of the feason. The quality of all kinds of grain will be good and harvested in excellent condition. Root crops Tc"se are late and patchy. Some of the early sown start id well, but the dry weather since has been too much for them. Later sown are an irregular plant, very small as yet in the bulb, and on the whole root orops will be far short of a full crop. 2.-The prospects for wintering stock are gloomy inueed. With clover hay 40 per cent., and meadow bay 45 per ceut. below average, and both straw and turnips 2') par cent. below, it will be seen that as a whole the winter reap for live stock is fully one-third below that of an average year, and during this antumn poor cattle, I fear, can hardly be sold at any price. 3.The position and prospects of the farmer may be Snmmed up in a few words, namely that every year he is becoming financially poorer and poorer. His jiicoaie from stock and grain produce during the last twelve months mait be from 10 to 15 per cent. less than it Wd the. year before, while his expenses, if he 4o36 duty to the land would be much about the same. This, however, is a very mysterious problem, which puzzles many of us who go into the question. If we jnike a comparative statement of farmers' income and expenditure now, and say ten year ago, the won- der is that half their number are still solvent and able to pay their way 4.—The only suggestions I can make is that one of two things must shortly come to pass if farming is to continue. Either (first) that more money must be made of farm produce (grain and live stock espeoially). or (secoadj that expenses of all kinds upon land must be very sensibly reduced, so aa to make its cultivation remunerative to the occupier. JOHN SHUKEB. X 1.—Winter wheat varies very much spring wheat ▼ery good, yield over average; quantity good. Barley and osta, a very heavy crop quality good; harvest finished last week in August or nearly so gathered in good condition. Turnips, exoellent crop and looks healthy. Potatoes, good. Hay, crop under average some meadows good, tiking into consideration the lat-nesa they were grazed. This being a sheep dis- trict, we are obliged to graze them until tha middle of May. We cannot send the sheep to the hill be- fore. Grass has been very short on the pastures. This being a good neighbourhood for water, stock looks welt. I think with the good crop of corn and turnips we shall be able to carry through the winter. Arable land is generally in a better state ef cultiva- tion than it has been for many years, being afine dry spring, land was cleaned and in good condition for tha sped which was put in early, (to early sowing I attribute the good crops), and turnip land was well cleaned, and harvest early gathered, and the weather still fine for cleaning any foul land. Sachworkdone ttow will be of great advantage next spring. One great drawback is the lowness of stook. We don't suffer much from the low price of corn we sell bat Mttle; it pays better to give it to the stock. Some Earms are not adapted for feeding, but they will grovr ( voung stock to pay providing they are properij- [It. .ended to. Breeding farmers generally^ do not keen he younsr steel:, properly. Care should be taken the youi.fr is tak-n from tt.e dam. It should not b- ,I lowe,i to hilk it ought net to loose tho sucking flush There 1 think we do err very much. In proct of thi3 go into the cattle market there you will see i calf three months old sold from £ 3 to £ 4. Look ohroagh the market. You will see scores 18 or 20 months old you can bay for the same money. That must be radically wrong; that is, losing 14 or ]6 months' time. That is not the way to compete with foreigners. Young stock should always be kept i thriving, but to do that we want warm and comfort- able shedding, which generally is very deficient. We "uffer great loss in the lambing season for want of oetter shedding with large yards and proper places to feed the e\ es. Should the landlord provide better dousing for the stock, and put up corn sheds to save che tenant loss and labour (.the farmer keeping the best breed of all stock, down to poultry, and paying ittention to them), we can do a deal further in com- potmg with the foreigner. JOHN JONES. Hall on forest, Newcastle, Clun. XI. As a farmer of now twenty years' experience, I do tiot recollect during that time the root crops effected so much by the mildew as this present season, especially the ear.y sown. There are fields in thia locality in appearance as if they had been dusted with lime; the hedges also are quite white around several fields of turnips. Crops effected by mildew are of very little value, they become rooty and dry, and contain but little feeding matter. This being the case, it will tell very muca against the farmer. Other crops, such as wheat, are light, short in the straw, but yield fairly weii, very dry, and grinds Nott, Tue oats are Jean and light; yields well to the quantity of straw, but not to the acre barley much (oe same. As a whole the crops were very light. l'he prospects of winter keep for stock is very weak indeed in several places it does not reach t'-ie halt previous years. Fields which formerly cut up about fifteen waggon-loads have come off this time on three. And not only that, but the harvest being early the stock have the run over the whole of the land, and by a few weeks it will be necessary to feed the stock, thus reducing the keep proviaed for the winter. An early summer neceasitatto an early winter also, the stock being Jew in price during the spring and the sainmer, farmers who formerly sold in the early spring held over their cattle until they were com- pelled to dispose of them on account of the scarcity of keep, and that at a less price than could be realised in the months of March or April. Therefore, the financial state of the agiiculturist will be greatly effected. It is quite clear that at least 50 per cent, oi tue farmer's cupital cannot stand this great trial, as the last three or four years has been telling against him, the demand for the produce being 80 limited to a few things, such as pigs (owing entirely to the ilCdolCity in the country), whereas sixteen months or two years ago they were too plentiful, thus effecting a very slow demand. Several farmers having to buy feeding stuffs found to their dis- appointment that the cost of feeding was more than tue amount reatised by tie stock when sold, after having spent care and labour for nothing. This takes place frequently. Farms on which cattle are reared and sold as stores are in these days the dearest takings, and how to dispose stock at this time of the year is a mystery. Dairying this time may be in more demand, especially salt butter, which will be very scarce. The quality may not be as good as we should like, owing to the great heat in the months of June, July, and August, and in several places a deficiency of clean water for the oows to drink. Agriculturists, to keep up some amount of their capital to work upon, will have to depend largely upon the generosity and goad will of their respective landlords. At some future time, by your permission Mr Editor, I shall make some observations aa to the real outcome of the land. B. Llanfair. XII. 1. The yield of wheat, where there was a fair crop of straw, may be considered a fair average, but the ruinously low prices at which new wheat is sold must ieave a great deficiency in cost of production to the grower, only that the straw this year must be con- sidered v-iry valuable. Barley and Oats—A great de- ficiency of straw, but appears to have a good head. Prices are hardly equal to last year at the beginning of the season. Mangolds-An averagp. crop. Swedes have done fairly wail in this district, but early sown ones are beginning to mildew. 2. The prospect for winter keep is very discourag- iug, Hay not being more than one third of a crop in most cases. Some good crops of Clover have been stacked in excellent condition. Straw is certainly very short, but has been had in excellent condition, so that all will be good provender, which is certainly better than a larger quantity of inferior, as we some. times have dnring bad harvests but the pastures are as bare as possible—and much of the stock has to be fed now—in the middle of September. GM 3. The financial position of the farmer is certaiuiy worse than a year ago, as rates and taxes, wages, and all tradesmen's bills, have never been higher during the last thirty years than at the present time. I am at a loss to know how rent and all other pay- ments are to be met during the present half year, as lean stock is sold at ruinous prices, and to feed them eutireiy upon artificial food at this time of year is most expensive. If landlords cannot see their way to make some substantial abatement, inevitable ruin must be in the near future awaiting many an honest industrious farmer. 4. There have been many suggestions brought out to remedy the present state of the farming commun- ity, but I think it is for the serious consideration of landed proprietors as well as tenant farmers, for if farmers are ruined and the land goes out of cultiva- tion (as has been the case in some districts that I could mention) it is a serious loss to the country generally, and takes a number of years to restore that district to its former presperity, and such I fear will be the eaae in many districts. B. Berriew. XIII. 1.—Judging from the appearance of the corn crops when growing, and after being cut, I should say generally, all cereals, will be much under he aver- age. Here and there a field of wheat, barley, and oats were to be seen of full average crop, but taking the whole of the district, grain cnt up lighter than was expected, straw in many places being very short. Although we were favoured with splendid weather for maturing and harvesting the grain, I fear when threshing time comes there will be a greater variety in the quality of wheat and barley than has been seen for many years. As with the crops, so with the quality, there must necessarily be some exceptionally fine samples, but the majority will be mixed, through not ripening together. Oats varied considerably, there were some excellent crops and some very poor indeed. The few new oats I have seen on the market have been light. Boot crops, with the exception of mangolds, have suffered severely for want of rain. Early sown ewedes are at a standstill and mildewed in many places. Potatoes are up to the average, but disease is showing itself in some places. -.41j.040 2.—With only one-third of a hay crop, and a less bulk of straw, the prospects for winter keep will baffle many of us; I am experiencing it already. The great difficulty being to know how to carry on our stock, until the usual time for housing, without using some of the winter fodder. Our pastures are as bare as they can be. The aftermath, which at one time promised abundance, was checked for want of rain, and on light soils was scorched by the heat, The little which was lett has been eaten; and where not turned into has been severely checked by the cold frosty nights the Jast nine days. Should these early frosts con- tinue, the gloomy prospects for the coming winter will be more severely felt. Grass land in some parts is so bare that cattle had to be foddered with straw on the frosty mornings we have had, and ate it srreedilv as in winter. M— 3. You ask are the financial prospects of the farmer better or worse than they were a year ago p- I answer and speak from experience, decidedly worse, and feel sure many can corroborate my state- ment in fact, I fear they are so bad, in mauy in. stances, that farmers are afraid to look into them. How can it be otherwise, when we take into con- sideration the enormous decrease in the value of store stock, and no demand even at the reduction, the low price of beef, mutton, wool, and grain must tell seri- ously on the income of the farmer. It may be asked. Why do they not give up ? Because many dare not, and others would be alarmed at the sacrifice they would have to make. No doubt, auctioneers will have a busy time of it shortly. 4. Keep and breed the best of all kinds of stock, whether horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, or poultry. I would suggest the use of moss litter, instead of straw for bidding. It is an excellent substitute, and by its use, much straw may be saved for fodder. In many instances a better knowledge is required in the use and the purchase of artificial manures and feed- ing stuffs. Greater combination amongst us, as a class, to make use of the power we do possess, to have our grievances redressed both in and out of Parliament, independent of Liberals, Unionists, or Conservatives. „ Bahaillon, RICHARD MORGAN, XIV. I consider the prospects of farmers at present very gloomy. IThe crops of all kinds, with the exception of barley and potatoes, being much below the average. Hay, one-third of a crop; Clover much better; Wheat, 50 per cent. below Oats; 20 per cent. below. Boots fair, but now beingspoiled by mildew. Pota- toes very gtoo. These remarks apply to the Severn Valley—New- town to L.aridloes. The hill farms have had much more rain than those in the valle/s, consequently their er ps of all kii-ds are very much better. EDWD. JONES. Park, Casrsws. XV. 2. Wheat in this neighbourhood is much below the average, the straw being short, and thin upon the ground. The quality of grain is excellent. Barley is a full crop, over the average in quality and quan- tity. A few fields sufferod from too dry a need bed, causing the grain to spurt very irregularly, conse- quently it has not ripened together. In the eouthem coanties a large acreage will not make good malt from the same cause. Oats are short in the straw the yield will be an average, with a bright and heavy sample. Roots-Swedes and turnips promised to be an excellent crop until a fortnight ago. When mil. I dew made ita appearance on most of the early sown. All roots greatly need rain. The weight per acre will be much reduced by the dry weather of the last four weeks. 2. Fanners with rearing stocks will experience great difficulty in keeping them through the next wintpr, hay and straw being very deficient in bulk, although good in quality. Those who buy in their stock will not, in many instances, require half their usual number. This will cause lean stock to continue until next April at a ruinously low price to the rearer. 3. Financially, the majority of farmers are in a much worse position than a year ago, only those who have some speciality are able to make ends meet. That farmers are rapidly losing their capital is plainly shown by the last agricultural returns. The number of cattle and sheep are less, while much land has been laid down in grass. In addition, a third of the value must be taken off all stcre cattle and sheep from prices in 1890. Only those intimately connected with agriculture know the hard and heart-breaking struggle most farmers have experienced for several years, and which have been greatly increased in 1893. 4. Would that I could comply with your request, Mr Editor, to suggest something calculated to bene- fit my fellow farmers. Undoubtedly, the present ruinous state of agriculture is caused by the severe competition from abroad. Fast steamers and rail- ways are opening up countries where the soil is rich and land cheap; tax collectors, few and far between; while the climate is a certainty, and calculated to produce some speciality to compete with the English farmer, who ima to contend with an uncertain climate, heavy rates and taxes in addition to rent, while the railway companies Cirry the goods of the foreigner at a less cost than those produced tit home. LAWTON MOORE. Brampton Brian. XVI. Since the harvests in ,.i. district were completed only a week ago, I am unable to say definitely what the yield of our crops will be. The crops of cereals and roots are very lair, but the latter are not very extensively cultivated here. The size of the oats is not so large as many may think. We depend more ia this district on the rearing of stock than on thi growing of grain. With regard to Keep for stock our proap^ct^ fur the coming winter are fair, and compare lavourably with what they have been in recent years, lair average crops of hay and clover, except on shallow rocky soils wlere they were light, have beeii harvested in excellent condition. Owing to the splendid harvest weather that prevailed throughout the season the quality of the fodder and other crops is better than it has been for some years. The year 1891 wti3 the worst we ever witnessed. The financial prospects of the farmer are still as gloomy as ever. The stock we are able to rear, being of interior kinds, does not in the markets command but a very low price indeed, which are now no higher than they were last year. With respect to the last point I may say that Í1> my opinion, before farm ing can become a paying industry there must be a permanent reduction in the rents. For many years we have received no return for our labour and our capital. How many of our class have gone to the wall whilst struggling to make both ends meet? For the last half-century or there. abouts there has been a constant teudeucy to an increase in rents. It is utterly im possible to pay such high routs with the price we now realise for our produce. Occasional reductions are good in their way, but do not meet our case or difficulties. FARMER. Llangurig.

HARVEST FESTIVALS. LLAWRYGLYN.—Thanksgiving service for the harvest was held at Christ Church on Monday evening, the lith inst, the ilev E. Edwards, vicar, read the service, and the Rev J, E. Jones, vicar of Carno, preached. MARTON.-The harvest festival the Congregational Chapel, was held on Tuesday, September 12th, when the Rev Jenkin Jones, Newtown, preached in the afternoon aLd evening to large congregations. A good collection at each service. G-LEINIANI.—Thanksgiving services were held on Wednes- day, the 13th, at Gleiniant Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, and at Zoar Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. The Rev D. Jones, pastor, preached at Gleiniant, and the Rev J. Pritchard preached at the Wesleyan Chapel. GLADESTRY.-The thanksgiving services were held in the Baptist Chapel on Thursday, Sept. 7th. Sermons were preached at 2.30 and 6.30 by the Rev W. B. Nichols, of King- ton. There was a large congregation in the evening. Col- lections were made. The cbapel was decorated with corn, fraits, flowers, and vegetables. DOLANOG.-Thanks-iving services were held at Moriah Wesleyan Chapel on Tuesday. At the afternoon service a very powerful sermon was delivered by the Rev E. Jones, Llanfair, to a large congregation. At Gwaengog Wesleyan Chapel and Sardis Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on the same day, when several addresses were delivered to good con- gregations at each service. TBKFEOLWYS.—Thanksgiving services were held at the Parish Church on Wednesday, the 6th inst. The Rev E. Edwards read the service, and the Rev T. H. Hughes, vicar of Llangnrig, preached in English in the morning and in Welsh at night. The church was neatly deeorated, and corn, flowers, and fruits were liberally given by the kind people of the neighbourhood. TBEOTNOST.—Thanksgiving sevices were held on Sunday last at the Wesleyan Chapel. Sermons were preached in the afternoon by the Rev D. Hunter, and in the evening by the evening by Mr C. J. Newell, Newtown. The chapel was very nicely decorated by the following ladies Mrs Hartley and Mr Ashworth, Dwyrhiew, Mrs Williams,IBrodin Honse, Mr Morgan, Chapel House, Miss Rowen, Cefnbach, Miss Davies, Vachwen, and Miss Cissie Bowen, Tregynon. Both services were very well attended. BETHANT.—Thanksgiving services were held on Thursday last. The Rev J. Jones, Newtown, preached in the afternoon and evening. The chapel was tastefully decorated with ever- greens, flowers, fruit, corn, and vegetables. It must have taken the ladies of the congregation a great deal of time and labour to produce such a pleasing sight as presented itself to the large number of persons who attended the services. The following names might be mentioned as having taken an active part in the work: Miss Atkins, the Cottage, Miss Davies, Welshpool, Miss Joseph, Manllwyd, Mrs Lewis, the Mill, Mrs and Miss Bach, Ponygelli, Mrs George Jones, the Main. Messrs Croxton and Price also rendered valuable assistance. The collections were in advance of last year. BERBIEW.—The Calvinistic Methodist Church at Efel Fach held their annual thanksgiving S irvices on Wednesday, the 13th inst. Two meetings were held, one in the afternoon, conducted by Mr William Pritchard, assisted by Mr Lewis, Brithdir, and Mr Thomas, Pandy; and one in the evening, when an excellent sermon was delivered by the Rev John Griffiths, of Groes, to a large congregation, During the evaning two solos were nicely rendered by Miss Bevan and Miss M. Davies, Rhydygroes. A large party took advantage ot the substantial tea provided in the Assembly Itoon,, generously given by Miss Hall, Llwynycrwth, and Gittins, Llandinier. The chapel was void of any display, no cejorations mantling its walls, everything been carried out with that sympathy which is considered by some to be most in harmony with the service. KVICKJOBB.—-Thanksgiving services were held in the Bap- tist Chapel, on Tuesday, September 12th. Services were preached by the Rev David Davies, of Maesynhelem, at 2-30 and 7 o'clock. There was a large coiigreiration in the even- tig. Select hymns were sung by the choir, conducted by Mr Mival. The chapel was dressed with corn, fruit, flowers, and vegetables for the occasion. At the close of the service a neat ten service was presented to Mr and Mrs Mival. The presentation was made in the name of the friends by the pastor, Rev G. Philips, in the following terms Presented to Mr and Mrs Mival as a Loken of esteem, on the occasion of their marriage, and in appieciation of services rendered. Both have b-en consistent and useful members of the church. and Mr Mival has conducted the choir for some time. Wish- itig them both every happiness, and much of the Divine blessing." Mr Mival, in a few.well-chosen words, gratefully responded. LLANIDLOE:S.-The thanksgiving services were held at the parish church on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday evening the Rev T. H. Hughes, vicar of Llaogurig, preached t sermon in Welsh to a large congregation. On Wednesday morning Holy Communion was celebrated at 8-30 and matins at eleven o'clock, when the Rev Hugh Roberts, vicar of Col- vvyn Bay, preached an approriate sermon. At 7 p.m. there was evensong, and the sermon was preached by the Ven. Archdeacon Williams, Llanystnmdwyn (formerly vicar of Llanidloes.) All the services were well attended and were fully choral, the anthem h,-ing "I will give thanks" (Barnly), and "The Lord is Jiving." The Church was pleasantly decorated, the following participating in the work -Font, Miss Marshall; west window, Mr E D Davies, and •'Ir Reese, L and P Bank; south window with texts, Misses iCinsey, draper; pulpit and window above, Miss Ikin Vaeuor Park lectern, Mrs Paull, Greenfield; choir stalls, the Misses Jerman, Severn Grove; altar rails, the Misses ikin; front of organ. Miss Bell, Glanolywedog, and Miss Pitull; sill of east window with text. Misses Kerr; the cross Mrs Kitto, Glandwr; the vases, Mrs Jones, Vicarage, two north nisle windows. Miss Davies, Plasyndre; two north aisle windows, Miss Maysmor. NEWTOWH. On Sunday last the harvest thanksgiving ser- vices were held at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, when ap- propriate sermons were preached morning and evening by the Hev G. Rennison. In the afternoon Mr A. T. Spalding conducted the service, owing to the unavoidable absence of tue Rev R. Wycherley by sickness. The chapel was very prettily decorated with grain, fruit and flowers, given chiefly hy Mrs (Capt.) Pryce-Jones, Mrs Powell (Plasybryn), Mrs Purchas, Mr R. Evans, Hugh Lewis, Esq., Mr Smith, Mr Meredith, Mr Morris, Mrs Crewe, Mrs George, Mrs Cooper, Miss Hicks, and Mrs Green. The decorations were carried out with much ability by Mrs E. Jones, Mrs Wycherley, Mrs R jnnison, Miss Hicks, Miss Jones, and Miss Crewe. The singing of the choir was most excellent, under the conductor- ship of Mr W. O. T. Jones. The services will be continued this (Monday) evening with an entertainment, consisting of -o!os, recitations, etc.—Festival services were also held on Sunday at the English Congregational Church. Two ser- vices were held, at which the Pastor (the Rev Jenkin Jones) odiciated. The offerings of the season's fruits had been naatly arranged by the ladies of the congregation, chief amongst tkem being Mrs Pratt, Mrs Williams, Severn Square, Miss Nevia Jones, and Miss Woosuam, assisted by saveral young men. The services were largely musical. Mrs Megan Jones Davies was present, and sang several sacred solos in her usual sweet and devotional sty Ie. The choir sang Ru anthem and special music played suitable to the occasion. There were large congregations, and the collections made were of a satisfactory amount. The morning collection was ia aid of the Montgomeryshire Infirmary. LLA.NDYSILIO.-At the Parish Cnurch on Friday, when there was a very large congregation. The church was task fully decorated by Miss A. Pryce Miss AI. Pryce, and Miss Peake, Pentreheylin Hallj Miss Tanat, and Miss N. Pryce, Street House, and Miss De la Stoess, Domgay Cottage. The prayers and lessons were read by th6 rector, the Rev J. Mathews, and an appropriate aermon was preached by the Rev T. H.Lloyd, vicar of LlanEaintffraid. The offertory, which amounted to E3 h. was devoted to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. (XiliANFYLLiN. At the pari>h ohurch, on Friday. I'he Holy Communion was administered at 8-30a.m,, and there was a good attendance. English service was held at 3 p.m.,when Mr J. Marshall Dagdale a-ad the lessons, Rnd the Rev H. Harboard, of East Hoatley, preached to a large cong ega'ien. The cboi c whicll been welt trained by Mr Vincent Lloyd, sang the anthem, "Thou crownest the year" (Dr. Vincent.) At the evening service, which was in Welsh, the Rector, the Rev Th. Jones, read the lessons, and the Rev Dd. Jones, Llanrhaiadr. preached. The choir sang the anthem, Mawrywyr Arglwyddyn Seion (Hywel Idloes,) in the course of the service. Mr N. B. Edwards presided at the organ. Collections were made at each meeting in aid of the Diocesan Societies. The church was very prettily decorated for the occasion. The following ,a.dies undertook the task of decoratingFont Miss Lomax West end. the Misses A. and E. Joues' and Miss Lyddiatt; gallery, Mrs Marshall Dugdale, 4 ■Vfr8 Harboard, Mrs Nash; windows. Miss Ryle and Misses J. E. and Aland Jones gas standards, the iklisses A. E. Jones, aDd Miss Roberts, Glanfeigio pulpit, Mrs Felix Jon,-s lectern, Mrs Marshall Dugdale altar rai(s, Mrs Jones, The Rectory, and the Misses J. E. and Mauè. Jones altar vases, Miss Peytoo chancel windows, the gardener at Llwyn.

LLANWYDDELAN BOARD SCHOOL. To the Editor of the Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times. Sir. -Allow me to ask you to insert in your next issue a little correction in the report of the above school The report as printed reads The scholars in the standai ds have been fairly instructed in the ele- mentary subjects and in geography." Whereas it Oight to be "The scholars in the standards hAVA ,>cen eery Juirly instructed in the elementary subjects and in geography." Thanking you in anticipation, I am, yours truly, R. W. ROBERTS. Pant-y-crai Board School, Llanwyddetan, Nuwtown. Sept. 13, 1893.

MORE TEMPERANCE. To the Editor of the Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times. Sir.—I notice a letter in your columns of last week bearing upon Sunday drinking at Welshpool, signed by Justice," who in oue part of his letter is rather mystical. I certainly hold the tiew of the writer, so far as Sunday drinking is oonoerned, but of the Deputy Chief-Constable's report I cannot see what it. has to do with the heading of the letter, unless one hundred and forty-one persons have been convicted for Sunday drinking. We are nnmiatakeably face to face with a great evil, and the means adopted to break the law are many and varied. Where are our police on Sundays-to lwok into this urgent matter? A good deal of strategy is certainly needed to bring the guilty to justice, and of this I have no doubt the teetotallers will have the Bupport of some of the magistrates of the borough. lniiomeliceiisedhoube,3, Sunday trading is carried on not with the lower classes, but with the middle class, who ought te respect the law better; and who on week-days enter through the principal doorway, but on Sunday are content with a backyard entrance, merely to satisfy their inaati.ite desire for a nip of whiskey or a Klaa. of baar.—I am, oto.t TOWSSMA V Welshpool, 15th dept., 1893.

RE-OPENING OF "PARIS EMPORIUM," BRIDGE STREET, NEWTOWN, BY EDWARD LEWIS, ON r- TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th (Fair-day),. WITH A NEW STOCK OF READY-MADE CLOTHING. TO SUIT ALL CLASSES. Business will be conducted on the Ready Money System, SMALL PROFITS AND QUICK RETURNS. LONDON HOUSE, SEPT. 18th.

NEWTOWN. SECOND ANNUAL SPECIAL EWE FAIR.—A very large number of ewes of good quality were penned on Monday. Buyers were scarce, and only a few choice lots changed hands, not more than one sixth of the whole being sold. Long-tailed ewes sold best. Prices varied from 2ts to 30s each, second class from 20s to 24i, Shropshires from 27s to 32s, Welsh ewes from 12s o 15s. The arrangement of the Local Board for penning the sheep in the centre of the back lane gave great satisfaction to the farmers. A PLEASANT SUNDAY AFTERNOON—A most attractive service was held at the Baptist Chapel on Sunday afternoon. A large number attended, und the meeting only lasted three-quarters of an hour. T. Parry-Jones, Esq., J.P., occupied the chair, and in a few appropriate remarks explained the objects of the Pleasant Sunday A trrioon, and how eminently sucaesfcful these services had been in doing a great amount of good in the large centres. Me Alderman Cooke read a short chapter, and Mr Woolley offered a prayer. The Pastor (the Rev T. E. Williams) gave an instructive address from the two words, Jesut only," which will long be remem- bered by those who heard it. The children's choir, under the conductorship of Mr W. Jenkins, rendered bright selections of music. Mr Fred Woolley (the or-qnigt) presided at the instrument. THE LATE MRS RICKARDS.-On Sunday evening, a funeral sermon to the memory of the 148 Mrs Rickards, a member of tho Wesleyan Society, was preached by the Rev Frederick Hunter, in th" Wesleyan Chapel. The choir was strer g hened by the addition of all old Voices connected with the Church in past times, and for the occasion it was under the leadership of Mr William Francis. Throughout the singing was excellent.. A trio, We shall sleep," was impressively rendered by Miss Turner, Mrs Tanner-Francis and Mr G. G. Trow, and at the conclusion of the service the Dead March in Saul was played by the organist, Mr D. W. Oliver.—On the same evening a memorial service in connection with the death of Mrs Richard W'lliams was held. The Rev Parry conducted the service, at the conclusion of which Mr C. Gittins, the organist, played the Dead March in Saul.

WELSHPOOL. PRESENTATION TO SIR PRYCR PRYCE-JONES.— At the establishment of Mr Arthur Testar's, Broad- street, the three handsome cups, which the Con- privative party intend to present to Sir Pryce OD Thursday, October 12th, for his services in the iutere 'ta of the party, are on view. The gifts are of chaste design, and elegant specimens of the silver- smith's art. Powis CHoip.At a general committee meeting, he.d at the Town Hall on Friday evening last (in the absence of Mr T. R. Morris), Rev. T Rowson i the chair, it was resolved that a first-class evening c ncert be held next month. The proceeds to be given to the Dispensary. Talented and local artistes will be secured. Messrs Joseph H. Davies and A. H. Jones were proposed hon. sees. His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. O. Jones) is using his influence to make the concert a success for so deserving an object. MARRIAGE OF MISS PRYCE, ELMHUBST.—Consid- erable interest was manifested at the marriage of Miss Pryce, Elmehuret, which event took place on Thursday at 3 o'olook in the afternoon, at St. Mary's Church, the sacred edifice was crowded. The services being choral. The bridegroom, Mr Walter J. Millard, accompanied by bis brother, entered the church shortly before three. The bride, with her brother, Mr T. E. Pryca (who gave her away) fol- lowed soon after. The bride was attired in a dress of grey material with white veil. The bridesmaid was Miss Pugh, who carried a basket of beautiful flowers. MrT. M. Pricejplayed the march from "Lohengrin" on entrance. The party consisted of Mr and Mrs W. R. Pugh, Miss M. Pryce (Frondey, Shrewsbury), Miss Parry Jones, and Miss MoMmn. The Vicar, Eev. Grimaldi Davis, assisted by the Eev. F. H. Hawkins, officiated at the ceremony. While in the vestry and on the way out of church, the organist played Mendel- ssohn's wedding match. The wedding breakfast and reception were held at Elmhurst. The presents were both numerous and costly. The happy pair will spend their honeymoon in North Wales, visiting various places of interest. Mrs Millard, who was well known as principal of a young ladies' academy, took a great interest in church and parochial work. She carried with Mr the best wishes of a large number of friends to her new home.

Re JOHN CHARLES JONES.-At Shrewsbury' Shireball, on Tuesday, before Mr Registrar Peele, the matter the bankruptcy of John Charles Jones was mentioned. Mr Carisa (assistant official receiver) stated that the debtor was still in custody, and was not there that, day for his adjourned examination. He had written to him (Mr Canss) a letter, in which he told him he had no wish on his own part to come up, and that being so, he (Mr Cariss) proposed that the examination be adjourned sint die.-This was agreed to hy the Court. SHREWSBURY CORN MARKET, SATURDAY.—The County Markets have been thinly attended during the past week, and but little English grain has been offered. Wheat has been steady in value, occasional samples suitable for seed purposes making Is per quarter advance. Barley, which has varied greatly in quality, has been more freely shown, but the actual business put through has been of small d mensions. Oats have continued to be firm. Flour haa experienced a better demand, and Is per sack advance has been established. Offals have moved freely at full quotations. Our market here to-day was better attended. Wheat was firm. Barley buyers were undecided, and found it difficult to appraise the widely differing samples offered.— Quotations.—White wheat 4s Od to 4s 4d per 75lbs; red wheat 48 Od to 4s 2d per 761bs; barley 4s Od to 5 Od per 701ba oats 12s Od to 14a 6d per 2251bs peas 12s Od to 13s Od per 2251bs; old beans 15s 6d to 16a 6d per 2401be.- W. L. Browne aNd Go's Circular.

LLANIDLOES POLICE COURT,— THURSDA Y. Before the Mayor (Edward Davies) ohairman, and J. Kitto, Esqrs. ASSAULT AND BATTERY.—Edward Blaney sum- moned Thomas Edwards for assaulting him. This was an adjourned case. Blaney now asked their Worships to withdraw the summons, and said that defendant had come to witness, begged his pardon, and admitted that he was in the wreng.-Granted. DRUNK AND WANTING TO FIGHT.-Martin Jervia and Charles Rees, labourers, were charged by P.C. Hugh Jones with being drunk on Sunday the 26th August. The Mayor inflicted a fines of 2a 6d in the case of Reos, and adjourned the matter for a month in Jervis' case, to enable the police to i»sue another summons, as the summons now issued was left at the house of defendant's father-in-law, bel was theMfore not properly served. A DESIRE TO FIGHT.-John Evans and JoUB •Tames Davies, of Llanidloes and South Wales respec- f ruik ZT •STed b/P-C- Wdliams wit" bSJ runk, committed on tho 11th ult. Witness stated that on the day mentioned he found the two def«S dants drunk on the Upper Green with a large crowd around them. Evans wanted to fight with DaTiM, Z aT°Ua *2 d0 ao- was tfc e woS 10s inol,"i",e bnan Railway Witness stated that on th« 10th August he went to the railway cabin about 12 o'clock aud there found the two defendants. Jones was a thflv w Wal8leepin*- He asked Jones what they were doing there, and he said they were only waiting for dllylight to go for mushrooms. He awoke Morns, and he told witness that they were P FU tu a out, a3 p°on as it became a t £ cabiu.-Mr H. Watson ap- peared on behaU of the Cambrian Eailway, and de- posed that there was no one allowed in the cabin except those connected with the railway. Boys were frequently seen about them.—Fined 28 6d including costs, and allowed a fortnight to pay.

WANTED. a SECOND-HAND CHILD'S BAS SINETTE Carriage in good condition. — WILLIAMS, 44, New Eoad, Ne.xtown. f227 LOST, in or near NewtowD, on Thursday, the 14th inBt., a Gentleman's DIAMOND EING-—■ Finder will be handsomely rewarded on returning it to the Express Office. f219 Families Supplied Dairy. I THOMAS REES, BAKER, GROCER,. AND PROVISION MERCHANT, CANAL SHOP. AND Market Hall, Newtown, BROWN & MALT BREAD. CURRANT, SULTANA, & SEED CAKES. Tea Parties& School Treats Supplied ON MODERATE TERMS. HOME-FED HAM & BACON From Choicest Dairy Fed Pigs. Your Orders Solicited. eOOQ A. E. BOND, Confectioner, 8, BROAD STREET, WELSHPOOL Manufacturer of WEDDING CAKES of the bellt. Quality. A ohoioe selection of ORNAMENTS and BOXES. CHRISTENING AND BIRTHDAY CAKES. Genoa, Currant, Sultana, Madeira, Almond, and Seed Cakes. School Treats and Tea Parties Supplied on the' most moderate Terms. PURE WHOLEMEAL BREAD, Made as directed by Dr. Allin> See Testimonial a406 Tailoring and Outfitting ESTABLISHMENT, 14, BERRIEW STREET, WELSHPOOL. I BEG to state that I have just received a SELECTION of the NEWEST DESI7N8 in4 WOOLLEN CLOTHS, and that, as in past seasons, it will be my constant endeavour to gain the con- fidence and recommendation of my Customers, by supplying at Moderate Prices well-made Gsrments, with good style and fit), of thoroughly sound and' durable materials. I would call special attention to the following lines:— Black Worsted COATS AND VESTS, made to measure, from 3 Scotch Tweed BUSINESS SUITS, from 40/- A Splendid Line in TROUSERINGS* i AT 14/- the Pair, REMARKABLY CHEAP. Soliciting a continuance of past kind favours, WALTER J. DAVIES. Printed and Published by JOHN PHILLIPS (Frou Terrace, Llanllwehaiarn), and WILLIAM FUQB PHILLIPS (19, Broad-street, Newtown), at 8t mary'll Printing Woom. OR, Churah- street, New ton.