The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

THE LAND COMMISSION. The Welsh Land Commission resumed its sitting at Llangefni, Anglesey, on Saturday, Lord Carrington presiding. Lord Penrhyn was then called. He said:—I am chairman of the North Wales Property Defence Association. It is suggested in the syllabus issued by the Commission, and also by questions which have been put by some of the commissioners, that there exists in Wales combinations of landowners for the purpose of accepting or rejecting tenanis of a parti- cular class. I say, firstly, that no such combination exists, so far as I am aware. To my knowledge there are only two organisations of landowners. The first io the North Wales Propetty Defence Association, of which I will speak later. The second is the Land- owners' Association of South Wales and Monmouth- shire. The sole object of the North Wales Property Defence Association is summed up in its title, and that object is explained in the rules of the association, waich I am ready to produce if called upon. lam not, however, at liberty to produce the list of mem- bers. In order to give additional emphasis to my statement of the objects of this association, I desire to put in evidence a circular issued by it early in 1887, and I desire to call particular attention to the last paragraph but one, which I submit, shows clearly that there Jever was any hostile attitude snown towards tenants. [Copy of Circular.] The serious attention of landowners is called to the objects of the above association, of which a copy is enclosed. The important question of property defence was fully discussed at a very influential meeting hold at Chester on the 11th December, 1886, largely attended by gentlemen interested in land in Wales. The meeting expressed the utmost sympathy aud good feeling towards the tenant-farmers, and it was agreed that landowners should meet their tenants fairly and liberally in the existing depression of their business, and an opinion prevailed that if allowed to arrange their own affairs no difficulties would arise. At the same time it was felt by all that the incessant interference of outside agitation, often totally unconnected with any interest in land, and the open encouragement given by a large portion of the Welsh Press to .sehemes praeticallyof confiscation, make imperative the estab- lishment of an organisation for mutual self-protection. It was therefore resolved (with only two dissentients) to estab- lish this association, which it must be clearly understood is formed in no hostile spirit, or as a combination against the tinaut farmers in any shape or form. Should ) on be de- sirous of becoming a member, you are invited to fill up the enclosed forms of application, and forward the same as directed as early as possible, W. D. GRIFFITH, D. P. PENI-TANT, Hon. Sees. to the Provisional Committee. Lord Penrhyn proceeded: Having explained the object of this association, I oesire to Fay, firstly. that an investigatioa into the so-called Welsh land ques- tion is welcome to the association, and that ou the 7t\.¡ April, 1892, the association resolved to approach the then Government with a suggestion that a Royal Commission should be appointed to examine into the conditions of tenancy in Wales. I next desire to lay before the Commission in the most earnest manner, and as being vital to the whole question, facts which, in my opinion, prove that the agitation upon the Weish land question was unreal in origin, and had not its source in any genuine cause of grievance on the part of the agricultural community. The said facts consist of articles and letters published in the vernacular Press. From the foundation of this asso- ciation and for some time prior to that date careful 1 watch has been kept on the publications of the ver- nacular Press, and translations of articles and letters affecting the interests of landowners have been made for the association. The siid translations have been submitted to Mr J. E. Vincent, who is present, and I now tander them to you, believing that they will prove that this agitation was deliberately formented by journalistic sensational writings with the object ot creating a feeling in the country which would tend tij the advantage of the proprietors of the vernacular Press, and to the detriment of the Church and land- owners in Wales. For this purpose I rely on extracts which I shall quote briefly. I shall, moreover, be ab!e to ehow from those extracts that the agitation on the land question for some time was a failure, and that for years past landowners have been abused pernistintly and without regard to truth in the ver- nacular Press; aud that, obsolete prej adic-A alrainet Ei.giand have been resuscitated, and that all manner of threats and contumely have been poured ou those tenants who might not be inclined to join in tho movement. Lord Penrhyn then proceeded to read extracts bearing upon the point from a. number of Welsh papers. The Chairman: You are not at liberty, you say, to give us a list of the members' names? Lord Penrhyn I should hardly like to do so with- out first asking their permission. » "J..1Ö1t1 VUJövLilUü sauuia isumu uts r—x uu xiul bollV, I have no objection to my own name being published, but I do not know ab.>ufc others, al;d i would not like to hand ia their names without consulting them. On the 27ch of April, 1892, I see that you con- sidered the time had arrived for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the relaticiis be- I tween the landlords and tenants in Wales. Was a pstition sent up to the Government of the day, ask- ing them for the appointment of a Royal Commis- sion ?—There was a request; I do not know that there was a formal petition. The reply of the Government was that they did not see sufficient reason for grant- ing that Commission.. The resolution stated that the Royal Commission was necessary in consequence of the grave charges brought forward against the landlords in the Press and in Parliament?—Yes. Was that your opinion in your capacity as chair- man of the N-jrth Wales Property De ence Associa- tion ?—That was my own, and the voice of the asso- ciation. Then may I take it there was no necessity for a change in the law as regards compensation to ten- ants on the occasion of their leaving tarms or in the event of farms being sold r-It could be made a mat- ter of adjustment between landlord and tenant. Then you are eatisfied with the present condition of things?—I am quite satisfied, and bold that thero is no necessity for any special legislation. Lord Kenyon What would be the effect of land courts and the fixing of renti ?-I think that in many instances it would be unpopular with the tenauts they would not be on the same footing as before with their landlords, and so far as my own property is concerned I should be sorry to see our relations dis- turbed. They could not in times of distress look to the Land Court for the same sort of consideration as they could to the landlord. The Court would create a new feeling between the landlord and his teants. A more hard and fast line would be introduced ?—11 should be afraid of it. Mr J. M. Griffiths Ar& you prepared to say that there are no cases of hardship to tenants through want of compensation?—I am not prepared to say that, but I know of no case of hardship myself. Do you consider that in every case tenants have had compensations for all improvements they have made r-I consider that the tenants should be com- pensated) for improvements. You don't deny that in many cases they have not I had it I—I cannot say in what oases the tenants have failed to receive compensation. In reply to Mr Richard Jones, Lord Penrhyn said that the land agitation had taken a strongly-developed form since the appearance of the articles he had rea;i, and he thought that the distress among agricultural classes had not caused it, although he admitted that the period of distress was coincident with the com- mencement of the agitation. Questioned as to the amount of influence exercised by Dr Pan Jones, witness said be was a preacher at a large chapel and conducted Y Celt. Dr Pan Jones had gone round with a van lecturing for the Lmd Nationalisation Society, bat he could not say what, was the measure of the success he had had (laughter). Has the Property Defence Association not for- mulated a manifesto to its members to m ike rent :abatements ?-It certainly has not done so; but you will see that the association was intended to meet the tenants' difficulties in every way. Witness added that the Conservative Land Pur- chase Act for Ireland did not abolish landlords, it only changed them. The extracts he had read were taken from leading articles and correspondence. The Welsh papers stated that the editors were not respon- sible for what appeared in their correspondence, but they were not exempt from libel. Asked if he had ever subsidised the Tory Press in Wales, witnese said, Certainly, I have assisted the Welsh Conservative Press." Asked as to his preference for Churchmen or Non- conformists as tenants, Lord Penrhyn said it was immaterial to him whether a Churchman ora Noncon- formist, a Tory or a Liberal, took his land. What be preferrel was a good honest farmer. By Mr Griffith.-I believe the agricultural wages are very fair now high enough to live comfortably on, if the labourers had more comfortable places provided for them. Do you think the present rates can be maintained ? —In good seasons they can be maintained. Do you think it would be fair to the tenant and labourer to have a land court to settle differences that might arise between them ?-I do not thiuk a land court would do any good. I think the ques- tions might be settled between the tenant and the labourers. Mr Beaver Roberts, of Bangor, offered rebutting evidence with respect to the statement made by Mr T. E. Ellis as to the conditions under which the Caerhun and Llanbedr enclosures were made. Wil- ness acted as solicitor to the landlords of the parishes referred to. The late Lord Penrhyn was not at that time a landowner in either parish, and had nothing whatever to do with the application for the enclo- sures. Before the completion of the proceedings Lord Pomhyn became possessed of land iu the parish of Caerhun. The award required the allottees to fence their allotments within a given time, but the fences were pulled down as fast as they were put up, the work of the day being destroyed in the night. The local magistrates did their best to find out the perpetrators of the outrages but were unable to do so, the local police being too few in numbe* to be of any service. Under the circumstances, the subject wa3 brought before the magistrates at quarter ses- ainng hv thA ehmirmsln- LOl"rf NAushnrmio-h anct thA Chief Constable having explained that the local force was not sufficient, it was resolved to form the two parishes and five other adjoiuing parisbes into a separate police district. Previons to this the Home Secretary had been applied to for assistance and advice, but nothing resulted beyond an induction to the effect that the Government grant in aid of the police rate would be withheld until effective steps had been taken to uphold the law. At the following sessions the outlying parishes appeared by their solicitors lo protest against being included in the proposed separate district, and one of the solicitors stated that Mr Hugh Davies Griffith, who was on the bench, was the chief obstacle to a peace- able settlement, as he had refused to agree to a voluntary rate to meet the expenses of an extra police force, and had induced other owners to refuse also. Mr Griffith, who was a considerable landowner in the district, did not attempt to deny what had been stited, and justified his action upon the ground that the enclosures were illegal, an i that the com- moners were justified in pulling down the fenoes. The Chairman then said that, as they now knew with whom they had to deal, he would suggest that the parishes of Caerhun and Llanbedr alone should be formed into a separate police district, and a resolu. tion to that effect was moved and carried unanimous- ly. The infamous assertion The Chairman: Could you not leave out that word ? We do not want strong language like that in this inquiry. Witness I cannot; it is infamous. The Chairman: Very well; it is for you to say. Continuing, witness said that the assertion that the late Lord Penrhyn, as Lord-Lieutenant of the county, drafted a posse, of police into the district to intimidate the people who resisted the enclosure, carried its refutation on the face of it. A Lord- Lieutenant had no more power over the police of the county than any other individual magistrate. The extent of Loid Penrhyu's property in the parish of Caerhun was inconsiderable, and, urobably less than the amount spent in fencing it. Tha assertion that many enclosure Acts had been smuggled through both houses of Parliament without the knowledge of the district was not a fact. It was absolutely im- possible to puss an enclosure Act without the know. ledge of all ooncerned. Witness, after giving his evidence, and leaving the 5 caair, returned, and said he wished to withdraw the word infamous." The Chairman said it could not be done after the witness had left the chair. The Commision then closed its session for the present in North Wales. The court was crowded throughout the day by farmers and others from all parts.

MIDDLETOWN. EVANGELISTIC.—Tbe friends of the Newtown Wesleyan circuit will be glad to learn that Mr ZllUS, who recently conducted a series of evangelistic mis- sion services in that circuit, has just concluded a series of most successful nervicea atCefn and Middle- town. Although the weather has been eo unfavour- able the chapels were very well attended, some nights they were packed. The success which attends his preaching is quite extraordinary, he talks straight, and keeps the IAndience completely under his con- trol.

OLUN. "THE COTTAGE HO.-zPITAL.-On Tuesday week the Lord Bishop of Hereford opened St. Catherine's Cottage Hospital, which has been founded and en- dowed at the sole expense of Mrs Henry Darrell Brown, Hastings, and is intended for the accommo- dation of poor persons resident at Clun and district. The inhabitants of this district have long felt the want of such accommodation which the institution will now supply. The hospital is a neat stone build- ing situated on the Craven Arms entrance to the town. A short service of dedication was conducted by the Bishop, who, in declaring the hospital open, alluded to the great blessing conferred upon the town. In the evening a dinner was given to the men, and to all those who were employed on the building. About 40 sat down, and an excellent spread was provided by Miss Chambers. After dinner the usual toasts were proposed and enthusiastically received. Before separating hearty cheers were given for the Rev E. Brown, of Montgomery, for the warm interest he has ever taken in the welfare of Clun, and for adding another link in the chain of benefits conferred by him upon the town.

BOARDS OF GUARDIANS. HEWTOWN & LLANIDLOES,— WEDNESDAY. Trem-ni ■. —Capt. Adams (chairman), Messrs Riohd. JBtewtevu iv.c«»-ohairman), J. 14. Pryse (es-officio), J. jeowis, D. Higgs, W..brancis, M. H. Divies, Riohd. ew, W. GittinR, Cornelius Morgan, Evan Jones, W-Al-lersoD, R. Nutting, Jfi. Edwards, E. George, .:E..a..1t Morris; with Mr R. Williams (clerk), and Mr T. M. Taylor (deputy clerk). Mr F. T. Bircham, &QH&1 Government Board Inspector, was also in £ £ teBd&uce. STATISTICS. Tfea following are the amounts paid in out-relief *<fsme# tho past fortnight: Newto>vn, per Mr R. JA&fd, S.rot week £ 31 18* 9d to 269 recipients, Seeiiid week .£31 4s to 267 recipients; Llanidhms per Mr Richard Owen, first week X14 18a ,#i tn 4f)i recipients, s-.cond week E41 Is to 404 re- ci&s&nte Lianwnog district, per Mr James Ramer, week £ 22 4a to 170 recipients, second week £ 21 j to 170 recipients. THE TRAMP PLAGUE. 1!&a Master reported that the number in the house t(t&K 43. Tramps relieved during the fortnight, first tP8tf £ c.87, against 55 during the corresponding period „4t fast year; second week, 109, agaiust 68. In Amwer bu 3if Bitcham he said that the largest num- .b&t' f tramps in the house on one night was 26. JSCf jBiri;h.;m said tlut the number of tramps were .iS^Wficrably increasing, and this was particularly itttfttsa&foln tiinong the joung men who, when asked i#fhetS- they Wtfie going, said to Rhayader, in the hope "øt ebtaiuiug work at the new waterworks, which smiid be in full swing in a few month's time. XL* Ma star said tnat the majority of men who c&m0 .th¿¡e looked like working men. Mr Bircham said that someone outside the Board Si&iiid iite their influence to get the County Council to iasfcitate a kind of ticket system for the admit- tseee of tramp* into the workhouse, in order that ffrjay- could keep them in the house for a longer period, thus get- a larger amount of work done. At a dSGofsrencd held the other day it was decided to put £ fceAfitof 18S2 strictly into force, which gave the j{r power to be-p the professional tramps in the f&aiie about two days. M: Cornelius Morgan said that with regard to the VW,ession.ti tramps he quite agreed with Mr Bircham ihA,L- they ou^ht to be heavily tasked, but he did not thtnk. r t.hey should deal as harshly with the young wyrfeffieE who were ieally in 3earch ot work, as it trXfjii be a pity to detain Uieni an extra day. He mtfi.,v (sympathised with the men seeking work. Ms* Birolidin said that he should like to see the £ g-m:ii >ent away in the morning so that they tSojild be able to ficd work. Mr Morgan asked whether the Master could detain the regular professional tramps for a couple of days, Aitd-fry how it would act in a fortnight. Tlid Master said they would be stopped there for the want of room. They had had 20 one night, 18 iwiotiw, and 20 the next nignt. Therefore they oofLld oot keep them. Mr Bircham said that he thought it would be &øttl3r if the professional vagrants were detained for of days and given plenty of work. ffea Maxtor said that they had no room for them. Th.eoGJy thing he could do was to convert the boys' plzy, twin into a temps' ward. Me B rohaci cixid that it was indispensable that Htg professional tramp should be detained for extra labour. The Master should get some extra stone ttt (Mhier togiv.3 them plenty ot work. Tho Master reminded the Board that they had £ f«?*dy diseased that question, and it had gone thtoagh committee. Me Bircham said that there was nothing else he con.ld suggest beyond additional stone breaking, and ho,, t;1ia.rut it would be worth their while to obtain a m4&!i (i a intity of stone for the use of the professional awlu. The Master said that all that had been said was only, s. recapitulation of what had been uone at pre- vioula Eifietings. tho Vice-Caairman moved that the matter ba re- tarred back to the tramps committee. Mr Bircham said that if they referred it back to Tramps committee they would probably be able tama some other mode of employing the professional iW«p», other than the breaking of stone. Sic Richard Andrew seconded the Vice-Chairman's prof.)osition that the matter be referred to the Tramps •.CdONaittea, which had been appointed last March, fettt the small pox broke out and prevented thom item- taking action. Mr Francis asked why they did not take action and %»'. some atone. Ur Bircham said that they would have to obtain a prffgec place for it, and make the men break the swa", fco# certain size. The Oleirk asked whether the Board wished to tefec it back to the same committee. Mr Cornelius Morgan thought that they should Appoint Q, new committee, and that professional trz,u,m.i should be detained in the House more than _oae U.;gLL, and the Master LO use his own diacrimina- tRW in dieLiuguishinK between professional and the working-men. He thought that tiasy ought to t-ike some steps as it was getting a y senoll>" ttù.n. Afr, J. R. Pryse sucondt-d, and a special committee appointed, composed of the foJlowing-Capt. AdztfM, Mr a. Bennett, Mr J. R. Pryse, and Mr Dd. -Dimri.ov.. THE PORTER QUESTION. Me BireUam said that he noticed at the workhouse two, c&eefg besides the Master, neither of whom were .OlB&eut. There were no reasons for having two. It .,fJtiHlt sta Biueh to have two inefficient porters as it did to, re one good one, one who would be able to JJeI¡j; the Master and look after the tramps, and to see \tkeydid their work. The Master would thank them taie Rood porter, but two inefficient persons wer of no u o to him. He had never been in a 'W-atkhoino of that size which had three such offioers. Alh<-Y oil*tit to gat an old army pensioner who know trfciifc rtbtidienct) to ordbrs and discipline was, and hia acllftry skould b.i about .£18 or L20 per year. Cheap iS-iSrvm.ata were the most expensivo. He had always ioaai it so, and the Guardians would also find it to be <so<reot. tie thought it was a question they gbaaid consider. CORRESPONDENCE. A tetbesr was read from the Insurance Company 1ritb regard to the fire expressing their willingness t pay the sum of £ 89 14$.—A letter was also read from the Local Government Board, sanctioning the «OTK«utaaent of Mr Harris Lloyd as vaccination .atSks-er, TENDERS. TNroo tenders were received for the snpply of but- itfK, eaeli accompanied by a sample. The lowest ten- der 8V.!W ltid per lb., and the other two at Is per lb. fiz,a munple of Mr Williams, New House, Tregynon, OHM ted at loJ per lb.-The Master said that Mr Wiiltxais had supplied the Houae for a number of jpiata, and he had always given satisfaction. SANITARY INSPECTOR'S SALARY. Iff Bircham then proceeded to hear the reasons 6Jr dift proposed reduction of the Sanitary Inspector's aslary from .£100 to .£80 which the Local Govern- msat Baaid refused to sanction. He asked what the Committee had to say in the matter. Tfae Ci«rk eaid th<*t Mr John Lawis was the Chair- gmtaf too Sanitary Committee. Mr Davies was ap- painted at X120 a year, and then Mr Price was ap- jNiiutsdE at £ 100 a year, and Mr Davies wasre-ap- poiated iu 1S80 at J £ 100 a year, and that salary was tiooiioeed for twelve years, when it was reduced to Mtick n Lewis said he maintained, and it was the <90CtitkMi of the whole of the Sanitary Committee, th.it ftfoiwUary should be reduced periodically. One rea- 8Ja why the salary was reduced was that they th-vitfffcA ihat the salary paid was more than adequa te to-tlus services rendered. To know this fact they had tø tH geetty well acquainted with the district. If had comprised towns or large villiages cot oae ivord would have been said about the quos- tios. It was an agricultural district, and the sanita- w" not eo great. Another reason was that Mr 2fr D:tIlrte8 had been appointed twelve yeara ago. Tkep £ living was then from 40 to 50percenr. ftigtutr iih.au it vr&s at the present time, and the jaetjurtag h^d been decreased in order to do justice be- Itmeto klie payer aud the paid. Was this the time for gr&Lariea to bo increased when the price of production mute&i. down? .£100 a year for doing this small Attbf wzs a tremendous salary. If this post were i o he&M&e vacant, and they were to advertise for a sue- rrrwr- they were convinced that a good man could IMofetaiced at a salary of Jll a week. They had al- lbwwd..Mr Davies to continue at a reduced salary, wfeteii he had accepted. The sanitary business was dauamJL Forden by the relieving officers, but he was ootaecftin what they were paid for the work. Trade had, and seven-tenths of the population were stmggjiqv Co obtain a bare existence. Sir Sir-chain esked what Mr Lewis had to say with omwd to the decrease in population. ime CiezL- said that the population of the whole t&vkiS. bat srton the census of 188191 had decreased -Mm, Mff Bircham said tha.t Forden paid £ 75 a year for I &a canitary business, aod they had a leaa population O(SAW, aud a much smaller acreage. Tbo Chairman said that their. Iti speell-or would have AiKfuii larger area to travel over. Wr Wircliaoi eaid as f..r as the Local Government, ffmcd were concerned they did not look to much at tS&d tsixtjise of the popu'ation aa at the workd'tne by 4b* incpAXstor. He had to devote hi* whole time to weeir, and it was not fair that he should be allowed fa aqlffrr It was a very wild cry about starving CtttttSMFCra; if the man was doing his duty he should (ot it. The.JLocaV Governmont.Board would not recognise the piea of bad times as suiheient rea- sons for the reduction of salary. They had mllcll betfcf-r pay a man a. proper salary to do his work pro- perly. He was willing to put their arguments before the Local Goverament Board, but he really did not know that they would consent to the reduction. He would point out to them the decrease in population since Mr D-tvies was first appointed, but when he looked at the avea of the district and the number of diys it must take him to go over it, he did not think that X100 was too much. He did not know that the cost of living had very much gone down. He bad lived in Wales for a number of years and could not agree with Mr Lewis. Although they did not get the same price for their wheat and their live stock, he was aware that he had to pay nearly the same sum for bread and butchers' meat as he did twelve years ago. To his mind the only argument brought for-1 ward in support of their plea was the decrease iu population. The Chairman said that he did not think the salary paid to the Inspector was any too much. The popu- lation had decreased, but the acreage was exactly the same. Mr C. Morgan thought that the population de- creased mora in the country than in the town. He was sorry Mr Bircham could not see his way to en- courage the committee. They knew that England was in a very different state now to what it was then. Times were then good, und land was more valuable; but now the rateable value waa going down very much, and he thought that might have a great weight with the Board. In years gone by officers were ap- pointed at salaries which were equivalent to the work done. He thought the salaries should be reconsidered and that the step taken by the committee in reducing the salary was one in the right direction. He thought that the salaries should be revised. The Local Gov- ernment Board would do justice if they could see their way to agree with the committee, and no injus- tice would be done, as Mr Davies had accepted the reduction. Mr Bircham asked whether the committee had asked the Inspector, when they reduced his salary, for a return of his travelling expenses. Mr Lewis said that they could never get to know anything about it, and he thought it was neither here nor there. He asked Mr Bircham how many times he should go over his expenses. Several members of the Board expressed the opin- ion that they quite agreed with what Mr Lewis had stated. Mr Bircham said he would do what he could for them, and lay the matter before the Local Govern- ment Board, but it must be distinctly understood that if the Local Government Board consented to the reduction in the Inspector's salary,he should want to know how much time he devoted to his work, and the amount of his travelling expenses, but it would be well to instruct the Inspector to keep a diary. The discussion then ended.

LLANIDLOES TOWN COUNCIL. A special meeting of the L'anidloes Town Council was held at the Public Hall on Tuesday evening, when the following were present :-Tha Mayor (Aid Edward Davies), presiding; Ald. Bowen, Councilors J. K. Jones, Geo. II-reomb, Wm. George, Richard George, Elias Dakin, Woo. Ashton, and John Sibbald, with Mr J. D. Davies (clerk), and Mr Jerman (deputy. clerk). UNANIMITY IN THE COUNCIL. The Clerk said a special meeting was called for the purpose of fillinz up the vacancy caused by the death of Alderman William Thomas. A ballot was taken, and Councillor William George was elected alderman by an unanimous vote.—The Mayor, in congratulating Mr George, said that he hoped he would live long to fill the office.—The ClerR also added his co ]gratalations.-Aiderman Wm. George, in thinking the Council, said that he felt grateful for the honour they had done him, but he felt very nn- worthy of the position. He was not aware that he had done anything that could have induced the Council to have eo unanimously elected him, but as long as he filled the position he would always try to do his duty (cheers). ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS. The next business was to tnako arrangements for the election of councillors in plice of the retiring members, who are as follows: Messrs Elias Dakin, Richard George, Samuel Meddins, William George, and Alderman Ho wen.—Mr Richard George said that by making Mr W. George an alderman there would only be five vacancies.—Mr J. K. Jones pointed out that it took aixteeu to make up a. Council.-The Clerk eaid that there were four seats vacant.—A dis- pute arose as to the number of vacancies there were for eouucillnrs.-Councitior Ashton said that now Councillor George was made an alderman he would both be an alderman and a councillor, and thus have two votes (laughter).—To clear up the mistake the names of the councillors who were not retiring were taken, and it was then found that there were five ,vacancies.-Alderman Bowen proposed that the neoeasary steps be taken to fill the five vacancies -Conneillor Hercomb seconded, and it was carried ,uuariimously.-The Council then rose.

POOL & FORDEN HIGHWAY BOARD. MONDAY. Present:—Captain Mytton (chairman), Messrs.?. Bullock >vioe-3hairman), E. Pritchard, Beniew E. Farmer, Chirbury; T. Gregory, Criegion; W. Davies and D. Jones, Guilsfield; B. Beddoes and R. Morgan, Llandrinio, E. Rogers, Llanmerewig; E. Evans, Manafon; A. Moss, Rhosgoch; and J. Edwards, Uppington, with Mr G. D. Harrison (clerk), and Mr W. P. Hole (surveyor). FOLLY BRIDGE. The Chairman read the report of the conference between the Highway Board and the Welshpool Corporation, with regard to the payment of a claim by the Welshpool Corporation for repairs made by them to the Folly Bridge. The committee recom- mended that should it appear after looking at the contract that the Corporation had paid for materials for the bridge in addition to half the cost, the Pool and Forden Highway Board will allow half the amount, including half the cost of supporting the old bridge. The Pool and Forden Highway Board Committee are unable to agree to pay any portion of the claim sent in for the repair of roads during the past years, but in future the Pool and Forden High- way Board will repair the road from the turning to Mr Daviea's, Varchoel, to the end of the borough boundary, the Corporation repairing from Saru bridge to tie turning to Mr Davies's. Varehoel, it being clearly understood that the expense of main- taining Folly Bridge should ba borne in equal proportions.—On the motion of the Chairman. seconded by Mr T. Gregory, the report was adopted. Mr Edwards said he saw by the report in the papers that the Town Council had blamed the Highway Board very much.—The Clerk said the Council thought they had been badly treated by the Board. —The Chairman said they were strong enough to bear that, but to say that they were to bear the cost for a number of years past was altogether unreason- able.-i)ir Farmer understood that they had been mending a part of the Board's road. If so he thought it was their duty to rectify it.—The Chairman said they now increased their portion of the road to make up for what they had not done before. MISCELLANEOUS. The Surveyor leported that in accordance with their instructions he had inspected the enclosure award for Hurdley township, and found that the fencing around the quarry was to be maintained by the Surveyor of Highways.—It was decided that the wltywardens of Churchstoke parish be asked to inspect the quarry, and report whether any fencing was necessary.—The Surveyor said they had not taken more than six tons of stone from that quarry for twenty years. THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Tha Surveyor reported having received a com- plaint that metal was worn off the crown of Trwst Llewelyn Canal Bridge. Mr Pritchard (waywarden) and himself met Mr Baker, the inspector, at the bridge on Thursday. He suggested that the Canai Company should supply at the bridge thirty-six tons of stone free of cost. He had completed the repairs at Wilmington and Wotherton Bridges. He bad received an application that the road leading from Pantybwlch road to the Forden and Welsh Harp road, should in future be repaired by the Highway Board. He found that it was set out in the Inclosure award as a public highway, to be maintained and kept, in repair in the same manner as the other public highways within the district.—It was decided that the Surveyor should make enquiries from Mr Layland's agent as to the state of the road and see whether Mr Leyland would not do something to it to bring it into good repair.—The Surveyor reported that he had formed aud stoned the roads across Heldre Hill. The fencing around Penberwyd Quarry was entirely demolished and required immediate attention as a footpath ran in close proximity to the upper end of the Quarry and was dangerous.—It was decided to fence it with iron hurdles.—The report was adopLed.-An application was laid before the Board from the inhabitants of Half-way House, asking that the road leading from the Halt-way to the Fron should be repaired as a highway. The ro Ad was much used as it was the only access to the Fron school and the church for about fifteen cottages on the Fron.—Mr Rogers called attention to the want of a culvert across the road near Lla Ei mere wig.-Mr Pritchard made a similar applica- tion with regard to a road near Velindre, Berriew, and Mr Gregory with regard to a road at the Uppe. Hou-e, Criggion.—The Surveyor was instructed to inspect the roads, and estimate the probable cost and report to the Board. FINANCE. The Finance Committee reported that the balance in the Treasurer's hands was < £ 449 5s. 9d. They recommended that the following sums be debited to the Tr.arurer:-Bausley, £ 26; Chirbury, X97 10s.; Forden, ^4>60 Manafon, iJ28 Llanmerewig, J212 Llandyssil, zC48 15s. and Llandrinio, £ 43 10s. They recommended that .£154 2s. 3d. be paid to the Surveyor for expenditure for wages, &c., during the ensuing month.—The report was adopted.—This was all the business.

» Epps's COCOA.—GRATBFOL AND COMFORTING. By a thorough knowledge of natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by f a careful apulicatiou of the fine properties of well- selected COCOA, Mr. Epps has provided our break- fast tables with adelicatelj flavoured beverage which may save us miny heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitu- tion may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating round us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well forti- fied with pure blood and a properly nourished j frame." -Civil Servicc G, uzettla simply with boiling water or milk. Sold only in packets, by {Grocers, labelled—"JAMES EPPS & Co., Homoeo- pathic Chemists, London.Al-o makers of Knns's 1 Cocjaine or Nib-Extract: Tea-like. d475. I

BETTWS. BETTWS-CEDEWAIN C.E. SCHOOL.—The following is a verbatim copy of the report of the Rev J. Hamei is a verbatim copy of the report of the Rev J. Hamei Lewis, Diocesan Inspector, on the above school:— This is an excellent little country school. The children are bright, intelligent, and smart. The religioup instruction is very thorough throughout. 1. Religious knowledge, excellent. 2. Discipline and tone, excellent. 4. School, in regard to religious education as a whole, excellent." The following scholars gained certificates :—Nellie Spencer Jones, (hon), Rachel Jane Whitticase, (hon.), Willie Griffiths, (hon.). Agnes Clara Jones. Wm. Hopkins, Eve Williams, George Watkin, William Basil Jones, Edward Griffiths, Louisa Breeze, Rosa Evans, Thomas Jones, John Lloyd, Thomas Percy Andrew, Walter Evans, Thomas Evans, Thomas Whitticase, Rosa Ann Oliver, Mary Ellen Davies, Edward Swain, Richard Edward Watkin, Jessie Louisa Lewis, Florence May Griffith*, Lizzie Ann Jones, Fred Mills, Richard George Ford. Miss Lucy Kate Jones, pupil teacher of the above school, also successfully passed her examination under the same inspector.

SRE Uns THE RIGHT SOAP.—Hudson's Soap saves her clothes. Anything washed with Hudson's Extract of Scap is thoroughly washed, therefore remains much longer clean.—A pure Dry Soap in fine powder. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of traffic receipts for the week ending Oct. 15th, 1893 —Miles open, 237. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails.. £ 2,212; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, X2,461 total for the week, £ 4,673; aggregate from commencement of half-yeari £ 87,618. Actual traffic receipts for the corresponding week last year:—Miles open, 237. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails. -82,046; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 2,614; total for the week, £ 4,660 aggregate from commencement of corresponding period last year, J £ 86,564. Increase for the week, passengers. &c., £ 166 merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 000 total increase for the week, -813 aggregate increase from commencement of half-year, XOOO. Decrease, Passengers, parcels, &c., 400; merchandise, &c., £ 153; total decrease for the week, .£000; aggregate decrease from commence- ment of half-year, .£000. Aggregate increase, pas- sengars, parcels, &c., £ 1,711; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, .£000; total for the week, -8000; aggre- gate increase from commencement of half-year, £ 1,054. Aggregate decrease, passengers, parcels, &c., .£000; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 657 total for the week, £000; aggregate decrease from commencement of half-year, XOOO. MRS. F. SIMMOND8, Laundress, Eaetborne, has used Messrs. RECKITT'S PARIS BLUE for the past six years, and considers it unequalled for beauty and economy. Certainly much superior te thumb "1' Liquid Blue. tIS

Tailoring and Outfitting ESTABLISHMENT, 14, BERRIEW STREET WELSHPOOL. I BEG to state that I have just received a Choice SELECTION of the NEWEST DESIGNS in 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 Garments 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 30/- Scotch Tweed BUSINESS SUITS, from 40/- A Splendid Line in TROUSERINGS AT 14/- the Pair, REMARKABLY CHEAP. Soliciting a continuance of past kind favours, WALTER J. DAVIES NEW SEASON TEAS 1/- ,H 1/8 1/4 PEMB' 2/- THESE BEAUTIFUL PURE TEAS from JL India and Ceylon are the Finest of their respective kinds; they are carefully selected and combine the FINEST FLAVOUR with the Rreatest strength; and are the Best Ready-money Value ever offered to the public. DELICIOUS HOME-CURED HAMS & BACON. Prize Medal Danish Butter Colour. CORN, FLOUR, CHEESE, AND EVERY OTHER ARTICLE IN THE TRADE. JOHN SWAIN, THE INDIAN & CEYLON TEA STORES, 23, HIGH STREET, ISTEWTOWISr. f60 Families Supplied Daily. 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 .MODKBATX TERMS. HOME-FED HAM & BACON From Clio v st Dairy Fed Pigs. Y> o- .)rderis Solicited. eOOO CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS. WINTER TRAIN SERVICE FROM THE 1st OF OCTOBER, 1893, and until further notice. r! IMPORTANT ALTERATIONS. ACCELERATION OF DOWN MAIL to ABERYSTWYTH, BRECON, &a, DOWN. The 4 40 a.m. Mail from Welshpool to Aberystwyth will be accelerated, arriving Machynlleth 6 10 a.m. Borth 6 36 a.m., and Aberystwyth 6 55 a.m. The 5 35 a.m. Mail from Moat Lane to Brecon, Newport (Mon.), &o., in connection with 4 40 a.m. from Welshpool will be accelerated, connecting with the Rhymney Coy's train due Cardiff 10 6 a.m. The S 10 a.m. Oewestry to Aberystwyth will leave at 8 20 a.m., and will not ran beyond Moat Lane. The intermediate tilneg of the 10 45 a.m. Moat Lane to Rhayader, Builth Road, and Builth Wells, will be altered. UP. The 7 0 a.m. Train from Pwllheli, 8 20 a.m. from Barmouth, and 9 0 a.m. from Abeyetwyth, will leave Pwllheli 6 25 a.m., Barmouth 7 50 a.m., and Aber- ystwyth 8 25 a.m., arriving London (Euston) 5 15 p.m., Manchester (London Road) 2 30 p.m., and Liverpool (Lime Street) 2 5 p.m. The intermediate times of the S 25 a m. train from Aberystwyth are altered, to leave Newtown 10 28 a.m., Welshpool 11 10 a.m., and Oswestry It 45 a.m. The 10 10 a.m. Train from Pwllheli, 11 40 a.m. from Barmouth, and 12 10 p.m. from Aberystwyth, will leave Pwllheli 10 40 a.m., Barmouth 12 15 p.m., and Aberystwytb 12 30 p.m., arriving London (Euiton) 10 15 p.m., Manchester (London Road) 7 2S p.m and Liverpool (Lime Street) 7 40 p.m. The 10 40 a.m. Oswestry to Whitchuroh. will be discontinued. THE FOLLOWING FAST TOURIST TRAINS WILL BE DISCONTINUED.— DOWN. The 2 20 p.m. Special Express from Welshpool to Aberystwyth, Barmouth, &c., with connections from London (Easton), Birmingham (New Streel), &a. The 1040 a.m. and 145 p.m. from London (Euiton), Birmingham (Queen Street), to Aberystwyth, Barmouth, &c. The 315p.m. from Manchester (London-rd.), and 3 0 p.m. from Liverpool (Lime St.) to Aberystwyth, &e. The 1 15 p.m. from Talyllyn to Aberystwytb, Barmouth, &c., in connection with 10 30 a.m. from Cardiff, 11 10 a.m. from Newport (Mon.), &o. UP. The 7 0 a.m. from Pwllheli, 9 10 a.m. from Bar. mouth, and 9 30 a.m. from Aberystwyth to South Waiea, Cardiff, Newport (Mon.), &c. The 2 15 p.m. from Barmoutb, and 2 50 ])-.m. from Aberystwyth, to London (Euston and Paddington), Birmingham (Qaeen Street and Snow Bill), Man- chester (London Road), Liverpool (Lime St.):, &c. ALFRED ASLETT, Secretary and General Manager, Company's Offices, Oswestry. September, 1893. ALFRED SLIM, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL rrff WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANT! WELSHPOOL. Agent for Messrs. SALT & Co.'8, TBUEJCAN, HANBUBY & Co.'s BURTON ALES. LONDON & DUBLIN STOUT, Ac., 4c. ALE Supplied in any Sized Casks, AND DELIVERED PRES. Good Sound HARVEST BEER at 8d. per Gall. -I., ■ — d47 WHY Send your Lace Curtains and Feathers out of Newtown to be Cleaned and Dyed when you can have them equally as well, or better and cheaper, at HOWELL'S. Eagles Lane, off Market-st., Newtown. Feathers cleaned or dyed and curled in ft few hours. Curtains Cleaned, Gentlemen's Clothew Cleaned and Pressed e^ual to new. Ladies, Light Dresses and Jackets Cleaned and Finished. Having had s. years experience in the above.—Works f HOWELL'S, Eagles Lane, Newtown. a410 WM. LL. POWELL, CAMBRIAN VAULTS, NEWTOW WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANT, AND MINERAL WATERS AND CORDIAL MANUFACTURER, TITHOLESALE Battler & Dealer in Guinners"sancl V V Findlater's Cel-brated DUBLIN STOUTS, Bass' and Allsopp's BURTON" ALES & STOUTS; also ether Brewery Companies Ales and Stouts ill all size casks from 8d. per gall. Celebrated Soda Water, Lithia NVPter, Potaek Wat.cr; Seltzer Water, Lemonade, Ginger. Befit* Ginger Ale. Cordials of every description. SPECIALTY:— Hampers of Wines & Spirits from 10s. and upwards. Manufactory and Stores— CAMBRIAN MINERAL WATER WORKS: NEWTOWN. All orders strictly attended 3 di09 ARE YOU ABOUT GETTING MARRIED ? IF YOU ARE, DON'T FAIL TO SEE THE NEWEST STYLES IN WEDDING CARDSr AT PHILLIPS'S, 19, BROAD STREET, NEWTOWN. J. H. ANDERSON, CABINET MAKER AND UPHOLSTERER, 26, Broad St., Welshpool (Established 1842) HOUSES COMPLETELY FURNISHED AT WHOLESALE PRICES. Dining, Drawing & Bedroom Suites BRASS & IRON BEDSTEADS, Spring, Hair, & Flock Mattresses, FEATHER BEDS, Ac. Full-sized Iron Bedstead from 9s. French dc., with braaa rails head and foot, only Palliasses 8s. per pair. Every other article in the Furnishing Department at equally low prioee. Estimates given for every description Cabinet Work. FUNERALS FURNISH ED FURNITURE REMOVED AND STORED. JtSTUtATM FUZZ. Removal to all parts. The largest A best eonetruoied FURNITURE VAN obtainable STORING Warehouse,—17, H'PV Street. JL