The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

AMONGST THE REUNIONISTS IN SWITZERLAND- I.-THE JOURNEY OUT. The kind interest which was evinced by many z, 11 -friends last year in a few stray jottings concerning a. trip to Grindelwald and other points of access to the Bernese Oberland tempts me to venture upon some little account of a visit paid this year to Lucerne in connection with the Reunion Con- ferences orgmised by the Rev. Dr. Lunn. Last year I travelled with the first conference party for Grindelwald. It numbered 140, and Holborn Via- duct station on the morning of our departure pre- sented a lively scene, the majority of the party not having been abroad before, and being in con- sequence in a state of great agitation as to their luggage, etc. This year we were quite a staid and sober body. We numbered all told 36, and on arrival at Holborn Viaduct on the morning of August 25th there was nothing to indicate any special excursion. The party included the Rev. j C. A. and Mrs Berry, of Wolverhampton, the Rev. Prebendary Webb-Peploe, the Rev. F. W. Bourne, the Rev. Thomas Raw, and a body of fourteen Lancashire lads and lasses, who had arranged to apend their holiday in Switzerland en parti. A ,Tory jolly lot they proved to be. We left London a few minutes before ten o'clock, and an unevent- ful run through beautiful Kent was beguiled by chatting with our courier, an Italian named Agostino Rovai, who has been on the road for many years, a wonderfully temperate man for his class, and with an interesting family history which there is no need to repeat here. On the way one learns a wrinkle or two as to the passing of contraband articles through the customs, etc. The hand luggage carried by travellers is fre- quently examined by the guard or another official while the train is in motion. When starting the juurney you enter into friendly conversation with this individual, pass a franc into a hand which curls up to receive it with a movement as natural as that of a fish's fin, and you are safe. As he has broken the law by receiving a tip, he cannot very well report you if you happen to do so. The same useful information is available in case a second-class traveller wants a first-class carriage. The officials are always open to enter into a little axegociation of the kind indicated above. The only thing necessary is to know how to go about it. In this and other equally righteous ways we occupy the two hours which the London, Chatham, and Dover express requires to perform the journey to Dover. Here, without any delay, we take our jp laces on the Princess Henrietta, one of the splen- did steamers of the Belgian Mail Packet service, which accomplishes the journey to Ostend, under favourable conditions of wind and tide, in a little over three hours. The passage was a delightful ,one-a calm sea, a perfectly clear sky, a pleasant breeze, and a company on board in the best of spirits. Some, as usual, retired below, and parted lovingly with some of the property they had brought with them, but there were comparatively few cases of illness. A couple of hours' sail and we are in view of the coast on the other side of the channel, and in a little more than another hour the white houses, the crowded piers and magnificent esplanade of Ostend com » into sight. Our friend the courier is now busy looking after Jus family, getting them and their luggage to. gether ready for disembarking, and as he stands bag in hand waiting to pass along the gangway I notice he is audibly reflecting, in language which I feel sure he never opened a Sunday School with, on the follies of excursionists attempt- ing to bring all their household requisites with them as luggage. At Ostend station a cold lun- cheon, packed in boxes, awaits the Reunionists. The circular issued to each member informs them that "as n-arly two hundred knives and fork were lost last year, the restaurateur will not again undertake the responsibility, and those who de- cline to eat cold chicken with nature's appliances only, must bring their own knive3 and forks." This circumstance involves no practical difficulty, and the train has not proceeded far before the tender Ostend chickens have disappeared. By the courtesy of the railway authorities we are provided with through coaches to Basle, and by putting the courier's information into operation we find ourselves in exceedingly comfortable quar- ters. It is worth noting that although the sea passage to Ostend is considerably longer than that to Calais, the railway journey from Ostend to Basle is very much shorter than that of any other route. There is one other important element in favour of this route which is worth mentioning, And that is the courtesy of the Customs officials. Both at Ostend and on the German and Swiss frontiers the examinations are of the most nominal character,-a circumstance the importance of which will be appreciated by all who have had experience of the French customs. Shortly after jour o'clock we leave Ostend, and are soon speeding along through a. agricultural district. The crops, however, have been nearly all gathered in, and we miss the interesting glimpses of busy harvest workers which formed so pleasant a feature of the journey out last summer. The fields are now deserted, and the country presents a picture of peaceful repose. At six o'clock we stetlm into Brussels, and from here on the route is one of exceptional interest. Beginning with Waterloo, and passing through Metz and Strass- burg, it traverses the scenes of some of the greatest historical events of the present century. The line, as described in Bradshaw, runs out of Brussels through several cuttings, skirting the extreme northern border of the Soignies Forest to Boitsfort, a noted suburban pleasure resort with a lake. We penetrate the forest, and our interest is aroused by one of the party pointing out the route which the British troops followed on their way to Waterloo. Some distance to the right of La Halpe, the next station, is the field of Waterloo, and as we pass along the higher ground a glimpse is caught of the monumental lion on the battlefield. Continuing the journey througbt a hilly broken region we reach Sterpenich. Here we qnit Belgian territory, and entering the Dutch portion of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, have our luggage overhauled at Bettingen, run across a few miles of level country, and reach Luxemburg. Southward from Luxemberg our course lies towa'ds. Lorraine, crossing the German frontier by Bettemberg. The customs official travels with the train, and while it goes at full speed he startles us by popping into the carriage and asking us to show p 11 our luggage. It is a very formal matter, the .9 bags are chaiked without one having been opened, and the official, woo tells us with some pride that he knows London, disappears through the door as suddenly as he came. The country through which we are now travelling is for the most part level, without special characteristics, but right and left for many miles every acre is memorable. It Passing Maixieres, by Devant-les-Pouts, the train rolls over ground whereon were enacted the last of the tragic scenes around Metz; where on the 6th and 7th October, 1870, the French made their desperate but unsuccessful attempt to escape from Metz along the road to Diedenbofen, once better known as Thionville. The battl-Seld of Gravelotte is away to the right; Mars-la-tour is also on the right and south of Gravelotte; and while pondering the memories such scenes awaken we arrive at Metz." It is now one o'clock on Saturday morning, and those of us who are awake are glad of the opportunity of a few minutes exercise up and down the platform which the brief wait allows. Swerving to the east from Metz, we pass in a short time over the battlefield of Courcelles, where the retreat of Bazaine to- wards Chalons, to effect a junction with Mac- Mahon after the disasters of Weissenburg and Worth was first arrested, and at four o'clock find ourselves at Stnssburg. Dawn is rapidly break- ing, it is a magnificent sunrise, and looking back we have an excellent view of the famous Cathedral. Our course lies between the Vosges mountains on the one kattd and the Rhine on the other. Following the course of the III we pass Benfield, tk centre of tobacco cultivation, and later on, Behlettatadt, an old place which capitulated to the Germans in October, 1870. Gradually the tobacco plant gives place to the vine, and after traversing a country of great interest Basle ia peached. There is jtiofc time to get breakfast and to pass our luggage through the customs, and the journey is resumed through striking and pleasant scenery. From Olten we get distant but very fine views of the greater peaks of the Bernese Oberland. By the by the little lake of Sempach, the name of which recalls memories of Arnold Von Winkelried. is reached, Pilatus and the Rigi loom into view, then the left bank of the Reuss is touched, a tunnel under Gibraltar" traversed, and a few minutes after nine o'clock on the morning of August 26th, we are at Lucerne.

GRAND BAZAAR AT LLANIDLOES. For some time past the efforts of the Churchmen of Ll midloes have been confined and considerably hampered, owing to the want of a suitable parish room. The great barrier to the erection of such a building, as iu the extension of moat enterprises, was finance, and in order to raise, if possible, a sum of money sufficient to pay ttie cost of building a room, the idea was conceived of holding a bazaar. The 80st would be about £ 800. As it is probable that the present National School will be unaOle to meet the demand upon it, it is hoped that a portion of the parish room will be let to the school managers for the purpose of an infants' department. Thus the building will be not only useful in Church And social work, but also the means of imparling the elementary principles of education. An energetic committee took up tbe project, and for a. great length of time have worked laboriously in the matter of collecting subscriptions or obtaining piomises of gifts of arti- clea. The Vicar, the Rev. Edmund Osborne Jones, as Chairman of the Committee, has worked with great zeal, and he has been ably seconded in his efforts by the Rev. W. D. Roberts, who acted as one of the hon. sees. It is almost invidious to individualise, for one and all worked heartily and unitedly to secure the success of the enterprise. Besides the names of the two reverend gentlemen, the committee was com- posed of Mr Samuel Ikin, who kindly acted as hun. treas. Mr John Davis, another hon. sec.; Mr G. W. Cope, School House; Mrs E. O. Jones. The Vicarage; VIIMS Marshall, Muuut Severn and Miss Kerr, Sum- merfield. The bazaar was opened on Tuesday, and continued on WednesJay, Thursday and Friday, in the Public K oms, lisnidloem. It is to be legretted that the proceeuiigs were somewhat marred with wet weather, for although not interfering with the bazaar itself, nevertheless, it prevented many patrons from attending. On the whole the attendance was excel- lent. and visitors were relieved of that boredom which generally pervades bazaars by the elaborate programme of amusements provided and carried out. Business was fairly brisk, and it must have afforded satisfaction to the members of the committee to know that so pronounced a success crowned their labours. The public rooms, usually of a sombre and miserable appearance imparting on entrance a dis- ual feeling, presented a lively scene. On every side could be ample evidence of the work of busy hands, which had transformed the mournful chamber into one of beauty and gaiety. The ceiling was featooned with evergreens, the windows and walls were grace- fully draped with curtains and art muslins, which together with the artistically adorned stalls, bewitch- ing faces and pret y dresses, presented an exception- Ally interesting and pleading spectacle. One novel feature of the event was that every stall was allotted separate colour, and the ladies in charge wera at- tired in costumes to match. Every conceivable method was en evidence for the purpose of extracting money from visitors' pockwts, the ladies, in accord- ance with the announcement in the programme, witn perfect unanimity agreeing to take charge of surplus cash. Our representative can bear testimony to the remarkable aptitude the ladies had for belling goods (utterly useless to a bachelor) at enormous prices. While engaged gathering information, and at the same time secretly eyeing the visions of loveliness flitting lightly about the room, he was surrounded by nalf-a-aozen of the latter, each desperately anxious to exchange a huge doll for a handful of superfluous coins. The idea of a journalist with a superfluity of wealth on a Tuesday, or at any other t.me, is a wild diearn, but it was only by sorrowfully parti ig with the last piece of family plate and enusrn ft a raffle for a enshion, that he diseugaged hlwa. It fr m their aL- tentions, In the corner of the room Mr C. LI. Kitto administered electric shocks for the modest sum of one penny, while armies of children patrolled the place requesting visitors to dip into the.r orau tubs. A oridge from the Public Bouioa to tile Tiewytben Hotel liad been erected, and in an ante.r,om iu the Itnt. r was placed the parish quilt." This was worked by Mrs Cope, and consisted of squares, on which on vayment of sixpence anybody could have their name, initials or monogram worked. As the quilt contained nearly 500 squares, all of which were sold, and a charge of one penny was made to view this novelty, it will be sen that in no small measure did it add to the general exchequer. The stalls, ten in number, wera ranged round the room. Each was prettily draped with art muslin of various colours, and upon which the varied artic s were displayed to the bast advantage, aud vended at high or low prioes by the stallholders. Stall A (terra ootta and green) was under the care of the Marchioness (D) of Londonderry and Mrs Lloyd- Verney, Cloohfaen. They had a fine display of valu- able articles, including a beautiful little clock, in case, several silver articles, richly chased, a choice china dessert service ot handsome pattern, photo- graphs of the Royal family, Benares trays, quaint looking jugs bearing mottoes ani devices and last must be mentioned the special Verney pipes," which bear such an excellent character that they have become the closest friends of the bishops and clergy. Lord Henry Vane Tempest took no small in- terest in this stall, and greatly facilitated in the dis- posal of various goods. At stall B (yellow and white) Mrs Francis (Watlog), and Mrs Lloyd-Kinsey off red good bargains, their splendid assortment including a large Indian cushion, two kits," made by the Maoris, New Zealand, and an elegant painting, exe- cuted by Miss Evans, of Swansea. The assistants were Miss Kinsey and the Misses C. and E. Kinsey. Mrs Kioto, Glandwr, superintended one of the pret- tiest kiosks in the hall. It was laden with a pro- lusion of daintily made articles, which were attrac- tively displayed. Especial notice should be made of pointings by Mr Nonce, of Cardiff, and by the Misses Kitto, while prominently placed was an exceedingly handsome Mountmellick worked cushion. l'uere was slao a quantity of Benares ware, novelties in candle shades, &e. Mrs Owen, Miss Ettie Kitto, Mrs ttou- sail, and Miss Bonsall rendered efficient service in filing the till. The flower stall was placed next, and, beiug in the ceutre of the room, commanded ready attention. It was charmingly decorated, the roof being composed of rafters of moss, the same plant forming a prominent feature in its other adornments. Here Miss Kitto and Miss Louie Kitto sold button- holes at the modest sum of sixpence, or refreshing fruit at equally low prices! Stall D (pink and green) was presided over by Mrs Kerr, Summerfield, and Mrs Panil, Greenfield, assisted by Miss Kerr, Miss Agnes Kerr, Miss Paull, and the Misses Ida aud Katie Paull. The specialities of the stall were numerous, and comprised fancy and orname-ital goods, prominent among which were three fine speci- mens of lead ore from the celebrated Van Mines. The companion bazaar, marked E (blue and white) looked sweetly pretty. It was profusely laden with every variety of article, knickknacks of endless description, and a useful and well-aaaort- d stock of wearing ap- parel. Two lovely large bride dolls, exquisitely dressed, claimed much attention, as also did a show of valuable goods given by Lady Pryce-Jones. There were also exhibited paintings by Miss Owen, of Liverpool, and Miss Williams, of Aber-y-nant, and a handsomely worked cushion by Miss Edith Morgan, of Bootle. Business was transacted by Mrs Daniel Davies, Pias-yn-dre, and Mrs Kinsey, B yn- llys, and they found an efficient and zealous staff of assistants in Miss Davies, Miss K. Maysmore, and Miss Williams. A model doll's house and yacht were on sale. Both were the workmanship of Mr G. W. Cope, who bad displayed more than ordinary ability, his work being far above the average. Mrs Jones, The Vicarage, assisted by Mrs Charles Wilkin, Miss Lewis-Lloyd, and Miss Bush managed .ki.jgk F (blue and green). It contained articles of service, marked at reasonable prices, chief among which were several handsome hand-paiuted fans and blotting-pads. There were also pretty babies' coats, and a fair collection of Devonshire pottery. The pariah stall (cardinal) was one of the principal features in the room, and of especial interest, as it contained articles worked by children attending the National School. Many old people of the town, too poor to make gifts, had given evidence by their needles that they wished to contribute their mites. Several tastefully dressed dolls, the work of the ohil- dren, and the materials for a hearthrug, given by Mrs Beobow, worked up by Mra Jane Owen and Mrs Ursula Thomas, were to be seen. An enormous vase, painted by Miss Bell, Glanclewedog, calls for note, and other articles of clothing made up the comple- ment. Miss Lloyd-Verney served "goodies, sweets and bon-bons to all persons from three to ninety- five years of age, on the condition that money was forthcoming at the time of purchase. A bazaar with- out a refreshment stall would be a failure. Anything from a chicken to a dry biscuit, tipsy cake to a t .rt- let, claret to soda water, oould be obtained. Need iess to say, this department was extensively patronised, J and taxed the united energies of Mrs and Miss Mar- shall, Mount Severn, who were assisted by Mrs W. A. A. Collins. The opening ceremony on Tuesday was performed by the Marchioness (D) of Londonderry, and there were also on the platform the right rev. the Lord Bishop of Bangor, and the Rev E. O. Jones, vicar. Amongst those present besides the stall-holders were Lord Henry Vane-Tempeat, Dr T. Davies, Machyn- lleth, Colonel Lloyd-Verney, Mr J. Francis (Lord. Lieutenant of Cardiganshire), Mr John Kitto, Mr Samuel and the Hisses Ikin, Captain Paull, Mr R. Gillart, Mr Collins, Knighton, the Mayor of Llanid- loes (Alderman Edward Davies), Mrs Baxter Owen, Miss Jarman, New Street, Mrs Corfield, Mrs Dr Owen and Miss Davies, Llansilin, Mrs Breeze, Garth, Mrs Davies, Harvey House, Revs E. Edwards. Trefeglwys, W. D. Robert@, aud Jonathan Hughes, Caersws, Mrs Smout. Mra Marshall, Mrs Willan. Mount Severn; Mr J. E. L. Lloyd, Nantgwillt, Mr E. D. Davies, Mr L. Rowlands, and many others. The worthy VICAR. in introducing Lady London- derry, said before he called upon her ladyship to open the bazaar, he ought on behalf of the committee and he felt sure of all present as well, to thank her very much for her kindness in coming to Llanidloes to countenance the bazaar, and to help them as she had done (hear, hear.) He had always found on the part of Lady Londonderry the greatest disposition to help and encourage in anyway she could church work at Llanidloes (applause.) He hoped that this visit of hers was a sign that that encouragement was not likely to relax in the fature (loud cheers.) Miss Agnes Benbow, of High Street, and Master Willie Davies, Harvey House, then presented her ladyship with a handsome bouquet of pink and white roses and maiden hair fern. Lady Londonderry thanked the little ones with whom she shook hands. they were followed hy Miss Ada Coates, High St., and Master George Davies, Pias-yn-dre, who each presented a bag containing money which they had collected on behalf of the bazaar. On each occasion the children were greeted with loud cheers. Lady LONDONDERRY", who was cordially greeted, said she must thank them very much for the kind words that had been said about her, and for the kindly way in which they had endorsed them. She f -it that the thanks they had expressed were quite out of propori ion to her labours; on the contrary, she felt that ber thanks were due to them for asking h--r to come and take pait in the ceremony, and to asseist in a cause which so well deserved their support and svmpathy (hear, hear.) To come again to the town of Llanidloes, which was so closely associated in bye- one days with her delir father, and was within a few mi,es of the home, which for centuries past had been he h; -)me of her ancestors, was to her most interest- ing and suggestive. She wished the bazaar every possible success, and she thought the sooner they turned to buriuess the better (laughter.) Her advice I) the gentlemen around was to confide the contents f thpir pockets to the stall-holdeis, aud if they eli.. so she was ceitaiu they would be convinced and would gree with her that in that instance the old saying Taffy was a thief" was untrue (applause.) ihe company then sang the Nation- 1 Anthem. after which Mr Tom Phillips sang Ou one 01 Cambria's ancient castles." AMUSEMENTS. The amusements provided were of a capital nature, popular, and by their means much of the "needful" was got together. On Tuesday and Thursday Colonel Lloyd Verney, Mr James and Miss Lloyd-Verney, and Miss Higgius gave splendid musi- oHil entertainments, Consisting of vooat and instru- mental selections, and on Tuesday and Wednesday Midame C. C. Kossiter, oi London, gave two clever and amusing sketches, that entitled, Our parish bazaar" beiug especia ly worthy of commendation. The celebrated Mrs Jarley's waxworks were on ex. hibition each uxfght. Mr Broadie Griffith made an ideal showman, and quite justified him in advertising ais show as a marvellous spectacle of inanimate activity." The characters were admirabiy sustained oy the following :-Por.ia., Miss Kane Maysmore; S'iylock, Mr N. Mills; Little Nell, MlØ Jennie Kinsey; Chinese Giant, Mr Chriol Koer. s; Cinder- ella, Miss Lily Davies Long Clothes Baby, Master Fred Kerr; Mother Hubb.rd, Miss Owen; Miser, Master Henry Webb Sleeping Beauty, Miss K. Parull; the Ptince, Master Edward Williams; Q ieeu, Mi"s Maud Jarman Knave of H-arts, Mr H. Pearson Miss Muffett, Mis Williams, Aber-y-naiit; Buffalo Bid, Mr Richard Jarman; Little Bo-Peep, viiss Cecilia K- berts; Mr Pickwick, Mr William Brown; Mrs Binleil, Miss Marpole, The Lion; Galatea, Ml-.s Bell; Siamese Twins, Masters Jamt-r Owen and W. Horner; John Bull, Mr Fred Davies; Girton Gtadnate, Miss Edith Go da worthy Ally dioper, Mr J. hn Kerr; Little Red Riding Hood, Miss Gladys ONen; Uuole Tom, Mr Harris Davies and the Deceased Airs Jarley, Miss Ethel Jarman. Amateur theatricals t"ok place on Tuesday, Thurs. lay and Friday evenings, when lei on Parle Fiancais," and A Regular Fix," were creditably performed. Tha caste in the first piece was as under —"Major Regmus Rstton," Air F. D. Davies; "Victor Dubois," Mr J. E. L. Hoyd; Mr Sprig- .■fiu8," Mr C'lllii.s; *• MrsSpriggins," Mis* Marshall; "Angelina," Miss Kitto; "Julia," Miss Etti Kitto; "Anna Maiia," Miss Agues Kerr In the second furte, the caste was- Mr Hugh de Brass, Mr J. E. L. Lloyd; "Mr Surplus," Mr H. R. Pearson Mr Charles Surplus," Mr J. Rees;" Abel Quick," Mr R. Jerman; "Smiler" and ,l Porter.' Mr Doughton; Mrs Surplus," Miss Louie Kitto; "Emily," Miss Agnes Kerr; "Mrs Carttr," Miss Marshall; Matilda Jane," Miss Kerr. On Thurs- day and Friday a contingent of the National School children gave excellent performances, under the dl- rection of Mr G. W. Cope. The programme rendered was the following, the events winding up with an d. hibition of musical drill. Chcrus "Tramp, tramp," Scholars; song and ohorns "Gipsy Jane," Gertie Owen recitation" Jack in the box," Edm Gjlda- worthy; song and ohorns ''Come buy a broom." Marie Kinsey recitation The sick Doll," Maggie Owen and Albert Jones; chorus "Nos Galau," Scholars; song and chorus "The Little Nurse,' Millie Hamer; recitation "The Street Arab," Albert Roberts and Willie Davies; song and chorus "I am a poor old Nigger," Henry Rees; chorus Comrades True," Scholars. On Wednesday even. ing a troupe of nigger minstrels entertained the company, their jokes and songs causing much laugh- ter and amusement. Their programme wa.8-Choru "Commence ye darkies all," Full Company; song Sweet Alleene," Mr Tom Phillips; song, Mr H. R. Pearson; song The Little One that died," Mr C. Owen; song aod chorus Come like a beautiful dream," Mr Cope; song and chorus "Those voices of the past," Master A. Owen; song and chorus Massa in the odd ground," Mr Phillips; chorus The awkward Squad," Full Company. The enter- tainment concluded with a mirth provoking Ethio- pian faice, entitled "The wigmakera," the parts Oiing taken by Mr H. Pearson, Old Man Mr J. L)avies, "Jimmy"; Mr W. Brown, "George." The bazaar was re-opened on Wednesday after- noon by the Bishop of Bangor. There was again a good attendance, although the weather was not at all propitious. The Rev. E. O. JONES, in commenoing the proceedings, said: I do not think the Bishop of Bangor needs any inttoductiou of the people of Llanidloes. We are always very glad to see him, and he is always very kind and ready to come (hear, hear). With that brief preface 1 will leave him to make the important speech of the day, almost of the bazaar t-tpptauae). The BISHOP of BANGOR, who was flatteringly received, said he certainly had great pleasure in coming amongst them that day, as he had at all times. It was a pleasure which arose to him not from those pleasant memories and reminisences to which Lady Londonderry alluded to on Tuesday in such graceful and charming words, but from coming from a remote part of the diocese to see and converse with the churou workers in this part of the country and to briug with him what little comfort and support- be could from the cold, callous and in. different part of the diooese, supposed to be situated •it Bangor -(applause) -and which was so very irresponsive to the very strong, active pulsation which beat so strongly in the extremity of the diocese known as Montgomery shire (hear, hear, and applause). He always came to Llanidloes with a great deal of pleasure, and he always left it with a great deal of regret kapplaiise). Just one word about bazaars. Bazaars were generally tegirded by most people aB a nuisance, but he confessed thnt he did not share the objection (applause). They were the means of getting money in a straightforward and honourable way. They also supplied occupations of a pleasure- able character to ladies and gentlemen who had occupied their time in making preparations for the event. It was generally said the end justified the means; here both the end and the means were justifiable in themselves (applause). They knew perfectly well the object of the bazaar, and it was au object worthy of their most cordial support. It was to raise a fund to enable them to build a parish room for Llanidloes, for the churchpeople of Llanidloes, and also act, if necessary, part of it as a room which could be adapted for the use of the infants school. It was a work which would com- mend itself to their support at all times. They, as churchpeople, were determined, at no cost, to let go the schools, which they possessed in the diooese, and in the country at large (cheers). They intended to resist to the utmost of their power and energy any attempt that might be made to take the schools from them by any political organization in the country (renewed cheers). With respect to a parish room, ha considered it a most useful appendage to any parish, and he would go farther and say that it was uot possible to carry out the necessary parish work without such a room. He was glad to find the churchmen of Llanidloes were about the first in the field in this respeoc. He knew that one parish had j already gathered together about MOO or JB800 to build an excellent room for such purposes as they intended to build one. His Nonconformist friends-he called them friends, though he was sorry to say they were extremely inimical and unfriendly-still he designated them by the name of friends. He wished their bitter. ness would soften down towards the m. He had never said bitter things about them, though they were continually saying bitter things about him tnd his friends. He admired their keenness and foresight in attaching to their chapels secular rooms, or an additional room in which they might meet together for secular purposes. In the Church they had no such thing. The Church was a wide and comprehen- sive organization, and she must grapple with the pressing social questions of the day if she wished to retain her hold upon the affections of the people of this country. The parish room supplied the means of the discussion of these questions. Social question& were cropping up day by day, and it was only by free discussion of these subjects by the Church that she could maintain her hold upon the masses of the people (applause). They wanted a room in which to hold concerts, bible societies, lectures in Church history; and at no time were more leotures, more 1 light, more elucidations wanted of Church history (loud applause). Not only would they be able to do that, but it would be the u -one of blending class with class. The Church as a spiritual organization knew neither rich nor poor, nor middle; it was the Church of every class, and it was the glory of the Church that she was the Church of every class, and he hoped that their room would be the means of producing not a sham, but a real union of hearts. He hoped and wished that they would sea the building in which they were interested completed, and he was sure they would find that it gave them many immense advantages, which the possession of such a room would confer upon the people of Llanidloes. He wished the bazaar every success, and hoped that in a few months time to see a useful, if not beautiful, edifice erected in their midst (applause). ^During the bazaar songs were given by Miss Ettie Kitto, Miss Marshall, Miss Fiorrie Jarman, Mr C. Owen, and Miss Ikin gave several selections of instrumental music. The piano was lent by Mr Ramsay, of the Trawythen, and another instrument was provided by Col. Lloyd Verney.

BOARDS OF GUARDIANS. FORDEN,—WEDNESDAY. Present: Col. Harrison, presiding, Mr W. Rogers, vice-chairman, Rev. J. S*w»*r, ex-officio, and Messrs. Samuel Miller, Wm. Price, Pryoe-Jones, E. R. Owen, Berriew. W. E. Jones, Chirbury, T. Rogers, Forden, J. Davies, Landysail, E. James. Montgomery, R. Section, D. tfowell, Trelyaton, Joseph Middle, Worthen, and C. S. Pryoe, clerk. AN UNCAPHED CHEQU-N. The Clerk said that there was a cheque drawn in 1883 tor a woman named Mary Preaoe amounting to 17s 61. The amount had not been claimed at the oank, and it had been carried over from year to year. Mr Price asked who she was. The Clerk eaid he believed she was a cook in the House. Col Harrison said that if she had any claim against them she would make it. It was dec ded that the treasurer be debited with the cheque and a special minute made of it. STATISTiC. The following amount has been expended in out relief dnring the pa.t fortnight, £ 34 7.. 8d, as fol. lows:—Per Mr k. Tomley, Montgomery district-, X12 18s 2d to 82 recipients; per Mr J. Fortune, Welshpool, .21112% 10,1 to 71 recipients per Mr J. Oliver, Worthen, JBIO 2s 8d to 69 rec pients. Amount in treasurer's hands, £ 1,02417s 4d. Number in the House during the fortnight 103, against 93 during tho corresponding period of last year. Number ot tramps relieved during thu past fortnight 185 against 99 last year. APPOINTMENT OF SCHOOLXTSTREBS. The Clerk said that an advertisement had appeared in the locil papsrs applying for a schoolmistress He said that with regard to this application and others of the kind they should not be opened but by the Chairman (hear, hear), and he thought they ought to adhere to the rule. Mr Pryce-Jones asked what the duties of the schoolmistress were, and whether she had to do any rough work. The Chairman read tha requirements. The applicants for the situation were ELhal Jeiman, of Llanidloes Giandwr School, and Mary Ann Daviea. the present governess, who stated in her letter that she had mJode up her mind since she sent in her resignation to remiia as governess if they would allow her. The Uuirdians went into com- mittee on the mattst and decided to re-appoint Miss Davies. zaTmATBS. The Finance Committee presented its estimates for the next half-year. The charges amounted to £ 2,605, while the credits were £ 835, leaving £ 1,770 to be raised. This sum represented nominally a rate of 3f 1 in the £ but a sum of .£129, which the Salop County Council had paid during the current half-year instead oi next, had reduced the estimated receipts by that amount. The common charges woula there fore, when the credit balance was apportioned, rep- resent ab/mt 3id, the same rate as last year. Mr W. Rogers proposed, and Mr James seconded, and the eport was adopted. STONE BREAKING. Mr James, on behalf of the Committee, reported that six tons of stone had been purchased for break- ing by the tramps. It was decided to write the Conuty Surveyor asking what price he would giv<- for the stone when broken. The master reported that he had started the tramps on the stone-breaking task, alloting two owt. to be broken by each man. M ACHYNLLET H,- WEDNESDAY. Present: Measrs E. Hughes, Aberfrydlan, chair. man John Roes, Towyn; Ellis Hughes, Cemmes; W. H. Jones, Aberdovey; John Rowlands, solicitor, Machynlleth; John Owen, Towyn; Owen Edwards, Scuboryeoed; Mr D. Evans. clerk; and Mr D. Morgan, assistant clerk. STATISTICS. Out-relief administered during the past fortnight, Machynlleth district, per Mr J. Jones.. £ 23 4 to 95 panoers, a decrease of 4a lOd in relief, and of five paupers; Pennal district, per Mr Wm. Jones. .£27 14 to 96 paupers, a decrease of .£19:! 10d in re- lief, and of one pauper; and Darowen district, per Mr D. Howell, .£43 lis 9d to 164 paupers, a decrease of 9s lid in relief and of one pauper. Number in tbe house, 42; last year, corresponding period, 33; vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 60 'ast year, corresponding period, 78. THE HOURK. The Master reported that the Marchioness (D) of Londonderry called at the House on September 25th and presented the inmates with tickets for admit- tance to a cantata which would be given in the town on Thursday. The Master applied for a gas lamp to be fixed in front of the House. The matter had been before the Board last year, but had been allowed to dr Jp inasmuch as it was intended to place a lamp opposite the House on the High-road.—It was re- solved to have a lamp erected at the entrance door.

THE LAND COMMISSION. The Commission sat at Conway on Saturday week. Major Sandbach, of Hafodunoa, Aberirele, said he was tgcnt for hit father's estate of 5,000 acres and X3,000 reatal. Only in very rare cases had differ. ence of language, politics, or religion any effect on the management of an estate. He was only con- cerned as to a man having capacity and capital. Compensation was granted in all oases of disturb- ance, and there were no oppressive clauses in the agreements. Rents were fixed by valuation in 1835, anJ had not been raised except that 5 per cent hao been charged on improvements made by the landlord. Permanent reductions varying from 10 to 40 per cent had been made in various parts, and since 1843 the permanent reductions were 17 percent, on the rental. He drow attention to experiments in fruit-growing carried on by Mr Tinsley, of Pennant, who hao planted the sides of a hill with strawberry plants, arrangeu in three zones or belbs, and secured three crops to serve the early, late, and ordinary demand for that fruit. Mr Timsley grew the fruit on his own land, and, witness believed, made it a success. The estate he represented was bought sixty years ago, and in that time XIOO,000 had been spent in repairt3 and improvements. Uiscussitg remedies, witness duggested the lightening of local ratt-s, a small duty on imported flour, wheat, and corn, the labelling of imported foreign meat, the improvement of railway conveniences, and the equalisation of railway rates. A land court would prove a great bane. Mr H. D. Pocnin, of Bodnant, said his estate con. sisted of from 2,500 to 3,000 acres. He made no difference in his treatment or choice of tenants on account of religion, language, or politics. Th* tenancies on his land were from year to year. He put in a copy of his agreement, but he might say that it was practically a dead letter. He had only given one notice to quit on his estate. Many tenants had dismissed themselves owing to difficulties arising from their having become security for other tenants. The notice to quit was given to Thomas Wiiliams, of Penllyn Farm, who paid a rent of Ri5 a year for 150 acrea, on account of the slovenly management of the farm. This was so bad that only 100 acres of the farm were of any service to him. No tenants h*d left in consequence of the re-valuation made by his agent, Mr Bell, and the four largest tenants on the estate tweuty years ago were on it still. The oase of a tenant named Williams had been referred to. After Williams left he took the property himself, and spent XI,800 in improving it. He made all the improvements on his estate. There was no combination among landlords in fact they competed rather actively with each other. Speaking generally, he did not believe the State could inter- fere between landlord And tenant with advantage to either. He paid X36,000 for the estate, but now it had ost him aboat.480,000, so that it was the worst investment he ever made (laughter). He did not think the increase of rent on his estate amounted to .250 on the whole estate. Parliament had destroyed the amenities of landlord and tenant, and they were now m;:tking the best bargains they could. He regretted that; he liked to have the old guild spirit, under which the tenant looked upon himself as being a member of the family of his landlord, and the land- lord .,ook the same view of it. He denied that he let his land to the highest bidder. What decided a tenancy was ability, capital, and character. Mr John Davies, Brynmynach, Glan Conway, resident agent for the estate of Miss Jones, Bryn Eisteddtod, said, with reference to the allegation that certain outgoing tenants had received no com- pensation, that those tenants had not, to his know- ledge, made any permanent improvements to entitle them to compensation. His experience was that farmers did not care for leases, considering that they were quite as safe under agreements. Foreign prices and unfavourable weather, high wages, high rates, and the tithe rent-charge were the causes of the depression, but he could suggest no remedy. The tithe charge in his case was one-fifth of the whole rent. Emigration from that district was now falling off. Mr T. Williams, Pistyllgwyn, Dolwyddelen, said he represented the farmers of his district. The remedies were improved farming, security of tenure, more capital, and the lightening of some of the heavy burdens on the land, rates, tithes, rent, &c. Foreign produce should be labelled. The law of primogeniture should be reformed so as to make it obligatory on every heir to give 20 per cent. per annum out of the rent for repairing and building on their estates. They thought that more opportuni- ties ought to be given for obtaining agricultural education, and certificates should be given for proficiency. The relations between landlord and tenant in his district were perfectly friendly whilst the latter were able to meet the demands of the land. lords. The next sitting will be at Tuwyn on October 4, and further sittings will be hold at Bala on October 5th, 6th, and 7th, and at Llangefni on October 10th, 11th, 12tb, 13th, and 14th.

THBOAT IRRITATION AND COUGH.—Soreness and dryness, tickling and iri itation, inducing cough and affecting the voice. For these symptoms use Epp»'s Glycerine Jujubes. In contact with the glands at the moment they ara excited by the act of sucking, the Glycerine in theBe agreeable confections becomes actively healing. Sold only in boxes, 7^d., tins Is. ltd., labelled "JAMES EPPS & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Dr. Moore, in his work on Nose and Throat Diseases," says The Glycerine Jujubes prepared by James Epps & Co., are of undoubted service as a curative or palliative agent," while Dr. Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician to the Municipai Throat and Ear Infirmary, writes: After an exten. ded trial, I have found your Glycerine Jujubes of considerable benefit in almost all forms of throat dis- e«M."

MR TOM ELLIS ON "THE AITTICS OF THE LORI S." At a meeting of the Council of the Merioselhaliizfr Liberal Association, Mr Thomas E. Ellis, M.P.. 9*6. ferring to the Parliament session just ended, MMt it was unprecedented in the number of its sitting?, the difficulties the Liberals had surmounted, and in Ü. splendid courage and leadership of Mr Gladatoa* (applause). Pessimists were cocksure in their pro- dictions of failure, but all such predictions falsified by the results. Not only that, but on Nor, 2nd Parliament would sit again to pass the Paririt and District Councils Bill, and the Employer#' Liability Bill. As to the grpat marplot of Liberal legislation, the House of Lords, it had completely spoiled the Sites for Places of Worship Bill, which, consequently, had to be abandoned as worse thas useless (" Shame "). The House of Lords had ajw hacked the London County Councils Bill by axtikfag out the betterment olauses, and, further, it—mpecu ally the ultra-clerical faction in it-had done ita ntr most to mutilate Welsh schemes for university, secondary, and technical education. They defeated the charter for the erection of the UniverailJ of Wales because Lampeter was Dot included, a afiuir theological Churoh of England college, mainly ouiw ported out of tithes, and with the Bishop of Srt. David's as its governing body. It had a scbool IW sectarian as itself attached to it, and the Joint Kdtf- cation Committee of Cardigau had relu-ed to let scholarships paid for out of the county rate bm ten- able at the school. Because this college, with its ridiculous government and its religious teste, W'a." not included, the Lords tried hard to delay, if not destroy, the charter, and because the school wsa not allowed to receive money out of the county rate, OW whole provision for enabling boys and girls to pro* oeed from primary schools to intermediate and t,%4vh-, nical schools, and thence to the university colleges, was ruthlessly cut out W shlime ") In the Merioneth- shire scheme a clause was inserted to goarDÐW thatschools maintained out of public funds should bÐ undenominational, and that the particular instruction should only be given under regulation* made by the county governing body. That ul&060 was maimed and mutilated. The House of Lor& oomaiitted these mutilations at the bidding of border bishop. In the middle ages, the Lords of th* Marches used their irresponsible power to deepoil Welshmen of freedom, laws, and lands. Mat the castles of the Lord of the Marches mtm in ruins, and their tyranny broken. Now, a Biøbop of the Marches, by means of his irresponsible power, played the shifty, slovenly, and vindictive gaIN OJ open and veiled foes of Welsh national moveMOSAP ("Shame.") They bore the mutilations of Welflb schemes with tolerable equinimity, because they knew the democratic forces were steadily wnd inevit- ably moulding events po all to make the influence border bishops upon Welsh national progress as dead as that of the Lords of the Marches (cheers.) '.n:.o.. antica of the House of Lords enabled them to realfe#' their hostility to the hopes ot Ireland. The electoftt* of the United Kingdom declared at the pol18 fm Home Rule as a principle and policy. After a debate of eighty-two ditya the bill passed all its stage*, and the bill thus passed was to bestow ou Ireland t- sweetness of peace, after long strife, and the pricelewf blessing of self-government. It was about to brigg relief to an immensely over-burdened Parliament, and to open up an era of progressive legislation. But from north, south, east, and west crowded tO gilded chamber in Westminster Palace some (cor" hundred odd individuals-(Iaugliter)-moritly sows ci descendants of persona ennobled, some for carwre 9fr honour, some of dishonour. Though represeataiMF- nobody but themselves, those lords spiritual a»l* temporal were able by n strange anachronism in British constitution to flout the declared opinions of the electors of the United Kingdom, and destroy stv biow the fruits of eighty-three days labour wtb** House of Commons (" shame)." The Lord* iMi never acted so ttudaciously since 1880, WUM they flung out a bill to afford protection to "b teuants who were being evicted under the etrewF" of the famine of 1879. But within twelve mouths the Lords had submissively to pass a drastic MM& sulendid Land Act for Ireiand, passed by XI" Gladstone through the Commons (cheers). Tnou^t' thure had been no open outburst of indignation IS the country at the last shameful act < f the heredi- tary and episcopal legislature, d=ep resentment Sinking into the heart cf the democracy cf tWw1 country (oheers). When the tim., came for pro- nouncing a verdict on this assembly of obstructive*, Wales would take a leading part (cheers). TISO House of Lords were bitterly hostile to every aspira- t'on and hope of Wales. lu a few months, WOUR would be face to face with the House of Lords, and would know from experience what was Ireland'# bitter grief at the dashing of the cup from its lips bp irresponsible psora and bishops. Home Rule baCt passed, and despite the action of the Lords, Ireland knew that the final oui.,inmnatioti of her hopes wu ouly deiayed for a few brief years. The eecondt pledge given by the Liberal patty was for Wobiv Disestablishment (cheers). As the SI ssion advanced the Welsh members felt the necessity, alike in the- interests of Wales and of the Liberal party, of press* ing strongly for the tulfilment of that aoieum Pledge- He co-operated heartily and enthusiastically in to. policy mainly traced out by his fellow member, ilT Lloyd George (cheers), iu the correspondence tfitb Mr Gladstone. That correspondence had, to hw knowledge, done most substantial service to tbV cause of Wales (cheers). In his suconri letter, of tb" 8th August, Mr Gladstone tactily assented to tbff position accorded to Welsh Disestablishment in íb. Newcastle programme. He laid diiect and marked emphasis on the irrevocable Parliamentary pki'jf# contained in the Suspensory Bill, in the debate, ni-ct in the splendid division taken upon its tirsd reading, and he finally promised that when tb. time arrived for settling the n,:x:t session's work, priority would, amidst conflicting claim*, be given to Welsh Disestablishment (loud chwers), Sinoe that letter was wri t ten two events bad happened which cleared up doub,ful points in Mr letter. Firstly, Home Rule had passed the Common?,, and the Irish Nationalists were anxious to help in. forwarding British legislation; secondly, the dater-, m,nation of the Government to ask their followers to sacrifice thei- leisure and holiuay to hold winter sitting. to pass useful measure-, such aa the L(.c.J. Government Bill and others (applause). The LocaI Government Bill would democratise boards of guardians, local boards, rural sanitary anthoritiee,, and parish vestries, and would enable working tneo- to obtain greater control of the affairs directly i elo- ting to the poor, such as charities, education, public health, land, and the amenities of a wholesome town aud village life (appliuse). Some people were aghast at the idea that the beat way to clear the decks for Disestablishment was to secure wiut-r sittings for the Employers' Liability and other like bills, but for his own part he had no doubt nor hesitation that- Welsh Disestablishment would be the leading measure next session (loud applause). During the last seeaio» the unity of the Welsh party had been *hr eatened. As tueir representative he opposed, on the one hand, the policy of letting their great question drift take its chance; and, on the other hand, he couid 110$, support the proposal for complete severance trom the Liberal party, before that party had had an oppof-- tunity to fuifil its pledges to Walea (hear, bear)*- Next session that opportunity would be obtained, and his conviction was strong that Wales have ample justification for its reliatice on tbv good faith of the Liberal party (loud clieeris), This session, though monopolised by the urgency of the Irish question, had not been fruitless for Walee. It had been a great satisfaction to help in getting the quarries of Wales placed under the special '■ provisions of the Factories and Workshops Act; itt securing a committee of experts to frame rules and-' regulations for the safe working of quarries; in securing the removal of Judge Beresford, and tbe appointment of a very able Welsh-apeaking lawyer? in helping forward Welsh intermediate schemcm; in obtlining a charter for the creation ot a Univereitjr of Wales; in adapting the primary school code and the admirable evening continuat on tchool code to the needs and circumstances of Wales, and in render- ing some assistance to the friends of education in various districts in North and Mil Wales in their struggles for good schools under elective control v and, abuve all, in appointing the Royal Commission on Welsh Land (loud cheers). In its immediate and its prospective effect this great inquiry would exercise -1. far-reaching influence (hear, hear). It was throwing a strong light up n many dark corners of Welsh rural life; it was exposing with quite dramatic force deeds of wrong petpetrated uuder the cover of the law; it was giving heart aDd hope to tho peasantry and it was the certain fore- runner of Welsh L'ind Act and a Welsh Housing of Labourers Act, which will give fair conditions ot labour, secure homes, and will enlarge the opportuni- ties to the tillers of the soil of Wales (loud cheers). ♦

LLANFYLLIN ToWN COUNCIL, TUESDAY. Present: Alderman John Jones in the chair- Councillors R. H. Jones, J. Ryle, Evan Watkins, John Ellis, Roger Edwards, Thomas Roberts, Wm. Ellis, Dd Parry, Wm. Jones, and David Davies with Mr W. A. Pughe, town clerk. The proposal to erect pillars under the town Hall was referred to the Finance Committee.—It was decided to remove the stench trap in front of Glana. oer, and to place a new grating there. It was con- sidered that this course would be the means of doing awav with floods. Referring to the weighing machine, which the Board of Agriculture had informed the Council they were liable to provide on fair days for the weighing of stock, a letter was read from Mr Aslett agreeing to allow the Council to use the Railway Company's weighing machine at a rate of 2d per beast. The offer was accepted. A committee was appointed to provide the necessary hurdles. P.S. Meredith reported that he had visited the common lodging-houses daily, and that the number of persons who had slept there was 292 males and 64 females, being 122 more than in the corresponding quarter of last year. The Finance Committee reported that the expendi- ture on the borough roads during the month was .£31 13s 3d, being X6 lis 5i less than in the corres- ponding month of last year. A precept was made on the overseers of Llanfyllin for t5, the borough funds having been exhausted. It was decided to procure an ordnance map of the bDrough. A discussion took place with regard to the cost of stone at Greenball Quarry, and on the motiou of Mr J. Jones it was decided to ask Lord Powis to come to a different agreement, namely, that a royalty be charged upon the quantities of stone raised, instead of the rent of X3 per annum. With regard to the price charged by the Guardians for broken stone, it was. after a long discussion, decided to refer the matter to the Finance Committee for careful con- sideration. The report of the Borough Surveyor was read, and resolutions passed thereon. The report of the Inspector of Nuisances was also read and considered. Mr Wm. Jones, having called attention to a nuis. anoe which had been pointed out to him at the Bath Well, it was resolved, on the motion of Dr. Edwards, to offer a reward of ^1 to any person giving infor- mation which should lead to a oonviction of any person committing a nuisance, that the Surveyor be requested to watch that place, and that a committee be appointed to take measures for doing away with the possibility of the nuisance recurring.

MONTGOMERY TOWN COUNCIL, THURSDAY. Present: The Mayor (Aid Fairles-Humphreya), Ald. Col. R. J. Harrison, Councillors Geo. Farmer, T. Williams, Jno. Withers, Edward Williams and E., R. James, with Mr Charles S. Pryce (town clerk). THE WATER SUPPLY. Chairman James called attention to the water sup- ply. He said it was the intention of the Council to have an additional spring to the present reservoir, as it was never intended that the present supply should be adequate. With that view he moved that the Council write to Lord Powis, asking if he would examine his pipes which supplied the Old Castle and the Green Dragon to see if there was a leakage, and also asking if his lordship would give permission for the Council to bore into the old road to try a spring for water. The Mayor said at the Black Hall, some distance below the house there was a magnificent stream more than sufficient to supply a town double the size of Montgomery.) Mr T. Williams: How far off Í1 it? The Mayor A mile and a half. Councillor James: If the level is all right the dis- tance would not matter much. The Mayor: You would have to go through diffi- cult ground. It would cost a lot to go up and down hill. Councillor James said it was worth their while to look the matter fairly in the faca. They had to get a supply of water sufficient to meet every exigency. He thought it was weil in this dry summer to secure a place which would answer their ends. Councillor Farmer remarked that it would be no use whatever going to Black Hall. The Mayor There will be no harm in boring if we keep above our present water supply. Councillor Farmer: You will get nothing and only incur expense. Councillor James said he should like each member to go and visit the place for themselves, He did.-aot think they could expect a very strong supply on these hills. Councillor Farmer said they would never increase the water supply by boring. Councillor Jamea mentioned that the supply of water was not over plentiful, and he thought the Council should limit the supply in order that there might be enoogh for domestic purposes. He did not think there was any need of fear from a failure, but it was well to take the possibility of the occurrence into consideration. The motion was agreed to, and the subject was ad- journed until Lord Powis's reply was received. PROVISION FOR VISITORS. Councillor James brought up the question of pro- viding a few seats on the old Castle grounds for the use of visitors, who had come to Montgomery in good numbers. He thought that the Clerk might write asking Lord Powia to consent to such an improve- ment. The Mayor Do you propose that the Corporation do this ? If such a thing were done, it would have to be by public subscription. Councillor James I only want the Council to ask for hia lordship's permission. The subject was adjourned. FIRE ENGINE. Thft Town Clerk said the question of the repairs to 'he fire engine had been left for the Mayor to inspect. The Mayor said he had not made the inspection. He suggeated that another length of hose should be purchased, and when they had got everything com- plete they could take ateps to organise a fire brigade. —Adjourned. VARIOUS. The Council decided to make a rebatement of 10s in the charges made to the Oddfellows' Society for the use of the Town Hall at the recent fete.—Coun- cillor James moved, and Councillor T. Williams seconded, that the street lamps during the winter re- main alight till eleven o'clock at night.