The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

DEFIANCE TO THE LORDS. THE second reading of the Parish Coun- eiU Bill has been passed by the House of Commons without a division. The Tories swallowed the pill with but little persuasion. That it was distasteful medicine is apparent -from the great cry which they are raising :against the poor law clauses, and doubtless when the Bill is in Committee the Opposi- tion will seek to remove from it all its de- mocratic bearings, and sap its usefulness. Not only is this the purport of their action in regard to the Parish Councils Bill, but will also be, towards the other great measure ,to be passed during the Autumn Session. The Opposition has declared through its Press that the policy to be adopted is emas- cnlatioij. It rests in the hands of the ,Gowrnivent to say whether they will allow "this laudatory design to take effect. The Z5 Inxsijiess of the Government is to estimate the Opposition at its own valuation. Ob- struction is not dead, for already Mr GIBSON Bowwrs and Mr PARKER SMITH have shown iheir anxiety to facilitate the progress of .Iwisittess by giving notice of a long string of pointless amendments. The policy of Mr 'OlabstonE of explanation, conciliation, 4wd concession'" is lost on the h>trd hide of obstruction, and the same weapons as its exponents fight with should the Government be prepared to carry on the warfare. It is a matter for sincere congratulation jthat Mr. JOHN MORLEY, at Manchester, al- layed any fears that the Government would Allow itself to be beaten by the intellectual And cultured party. Speaking for the Gov- .erament, he has declared that the line of ac- -tion to be taken by the Liberal ministry is to preserve an undeviating and unflinching attitude, both towards the Opposition and ithe Tory House of Lords. The Government 4o not intend to be awed or frightened by .the loud threats of either disciple of those august sections. They do not intend to ,whittle down their bills so as to make them useless in order to enable a set of men, who represent only their own interest and class privileges, to accept them. If a measure is to be passed which will benefit the masses of the people, it is bound to strike at some of the privileges of the superior classes. Whether the House of Lords ac- cepts the Bills or rejects them, or mutilates them beyond recognition now, there is loom- ing in the near future a day when the foes .of democracy will be removed to a place which will deter them from wreaking ven- geance on the bills of the representative House. The ridiculous veto which these Aieaveii-uoi'u legislators possess is simply in- tolerable, and the Government can keep the .confidence of the country in no better way than, when constructing and passing their measures, to treat the existence of the House ,of Lords as beneath contempt, and its occu- pants as absurd nonentities. The point to be principally assailed in the Parish Councils Bill is that relating to the poor law. Deputations have visited Mr GLADSTONE, pointing out that the reform of the poor law should be dealt with in a ^separate bill, and after due inquiry by a Royal Commission. A party of squires has met in London and declared the passing of the Act in its entirety would be nothing short of a "social catastrophe "—perhaps -go, to them. Circulars are sent out by Tory I"rds of Guardians to cher Boards having ri the poor law, pointing oability of the Bill touching -CLW system. One of these circulars d Forden Board of Guardians on ednesdav, and without any protest by any member, the Board adopted this antiquated Tory view, and ordered a resolution to that effect to be sent to the Local Government Board. In what way does the Parish Coun- cils Bill interfere with the present mode of administering the poor law ? It does not touch out-relief or the workhouse test. But it has dared to say to every magistrate, who by law, is an ex-officio guardian, that he shall not administer the law without the people of the Union elect him to do so; and instead of one man having a large number of votes, every man is placed on an equality and allowed one vote. This is the beginning and the ending of the Bill's interference with the poor law, and why ffueh glaring inequalities should be allowed to exist while a Royal Commission is in- vestigating the rottenness of the poor law system is not quite clear, except that the Tory squire wishes to hug his power for a few years longer. We trust the poor law will be dealt with in a separate bill; the sodner the better. The mere divesting of the squire of his robe of superiority and placing the labourer, so far as voting is concerned, on the same footiug will not alter the fact that the poor law requires readjustment.

OWIS 3TENORIAL CHURCH HOUSK. THK opening ceremony of the Powis Memoria' 40hureb House, Wel«hpcol, gracefully performed by the Con NT ESS of Powis on Thursday week, was a decided success. The late EARL, in whose memory the building was ertcted, was a poet, a fine scholar, &ad in other nays earned for himself renown other thaa wroald attach itsolf to his earldom. It was feefitfcing to honour his memory, but wecannot refrain (torn expressing the opinion that it was mistaken eoIiey to confino the memorial within the limits Of the Church. Ihe late Lorlt Powis was an active, afcaunch, and enthusiastic adherent and upholder of the. Church of England, bat his life and its infiutnoe Wore not inclusively confined to her work. It must aot b-) forgo:ten that outside the borders of that tfomnutmuy there weie many persons, who, enter- Ituning an admiration, eete.?m, and affection towards as litte EA UL, would have gladly contributed towards the funds, but were debarred from con. Mteatioos samples. With regard to the utility of a Chareh House, it is necobsary in order to carry on •fiataatlfCimrch work; and there is no doubt that ag REV GEIMALDI DAVIS will utilise the building fty developing freah fields of labour and widening the of the work of the Churoh at Welshpool. THE COUNTY RATB BASIS. ANOTHER conference between the representatives of the four Montgomeryshire Unions and the County Council was held on Friday week. There was evi- dently a feeling on the part of some of the members that the abatement suggested on farm buildings and land (15 per cent) was too high, in proportion to the abatements on other classes of property. It will be the duty of the representatives of the towns, when the matter is reported to the Council, to see that justice is done to their constituents. The large majority on the Council are better acquainted with the details of agricultural life than with—say—the interior of a woollen mill, and—without the slighest desire to be unfair-may come to a decision which will press unduly on the manufacturer, unless all sides of the question are fully investigated. Judg. ing from the report, this certainly has not yet been done, and the members for the towns will be expected to see that those whom they represent have their case fittingly presented. FOB THE PROGRESS OF RADICALISM. WE are exceedingly well pleased to note that the Machynlleth Liberals have decided to hold lectures once a month at their club. Such a movement cannot fail to produce successful re- sults at a future time. Nothing is so conducive to the welfare of a political club, or causes its members to grow strong and robust in their political faith, than the dissemination of know- ledge on social problems. The labouring com- munity need only to be educated in these matters in order to develop their innate, idemocratic in- stincts to that extent which will make them realise that it, is not to, the Tory that they must look for progressive legislation. The conferring of equal laws upon workmen must come from a forward party, and the only forward party is the Radical party, and to them must they look for the passing of measures in their favour. It is very satisfactory to know that the state of Radicalism in Machynlleth is improving, and with the advent of these lectures it may reasonably be anticipated that it will yet further advance. The political clubs in the other boroughs would do well to follow this forward movement by their Machynlleth brethren, and we feel sure that the Liberal party will reap an invaluable harvest in the future from the adoption of such a policy. PUBLIC SPIRIT WANTED. UNTIL quite recently the entrance to Newtown coming from the direction of the railway station has been a standing disgrace to the Local Board. On the the left hand there was a. patch of waste ground, overrun with weeds, strewn with dirty pieces of paper, and a general receptacle for the deposit of sundry articles, while immediately in front was and is the attractive picture of the banks of the Severn Underneath the King's Bridge can be seen a clothes line suspended from which are sundry articles of clothing, while along the river bank are deposits of cinders, ashes, refuse, and large heaps of stones. Just to give variety to the piature there is generally to be seen a gipsy encampment and a few disused costers' barrows. The former has been transformed from a dirty, unoared for piece of land into a nicely laid out plot, which is a credit to the town. A sub- stantial railing has been erected, paths laid out, and the enclosure planted with trees. Comparisons are odious, and side by side with Clifton-square, the river banks present a yet even more uncivilised and disgusting appearance. The improvement at Clifton- square is evidence that the public spirit of the Local Board is increasing. Of course it may be argued that all these improvements coat money, which is vy true, but it is impossible for Newtown to be made healthier and prettier without adding slightly to the rates. It will not be asserted that the inhabi- tants of Newtown are wishful of for ever living in a place where the drainage is bad and the surroundings unhealthy for the sake of a penny, twopenny, or threepenny rate. All works should be economically but efficiently carried out. The ratepayers of London are crying oat that their rates are going up, because of the improvements effected, but if they get hold,, as they are endeavouring to do, of the Gas, Water, and Tramways Companies, financial concerns which bring in a large profit. not only will the rates be con- siderably lessened, but futther improvements can be accomplished without placing an additional bnrden on the ratepayer. If the persons who find the money for the government of Newtown only follow suit and acquire properties as their own, which will bring in a revenue, not only will their rates be reduced but the Local Board will be able to launch out into new enterprises. At the present moment the sources of revenue of the Local Board, except from the pockets of the ratepayers, are nil. THEN take the question of the cemetery. A large amount of public money has been spent upon this most necessary undertaking, and yet on account of the religious difficulty Newtown annually loses a large amount of money. Not only so, but as J ng as the question of consecratijn is unsettled, politics A ill enter into our local board eleotions. Thel e are two valid reasons why our Board of Health should seek to amicably remove the stumbling block. If the Churchmen on the Board made a strong representa- tion to the Bishop of the Diocese in favour of dedi- cation, we have little donbt the Rector of Newtown would aid them; and his Lordship would find it difficult to resist such an united appeal. This year will probably see the last of the Newtown Local Board, as now constituted. It would be a matter of L sincere congratulation if the Chairman of the Board wouid head a deputation to the Bishop of St. Asaph, for the purpose suggested, and thus endeavour to allow the first electU of the Newtown District Council to be free from t distraction of politics. THE ELECTION OF THE MAYOR OF WELSHPOOL. ALTHOUGH the utmost peace and perfect serenity prevailed at Welshpool during the election of Coun- cillors, the selection of a Mayor laai; week was fraught with considerable excitement acd great interest. To almost the last minute it was hardly possible to say whether the retiring Mayor (Councillor ELLIS O. JONES) would be re-elected or whether Aiderman C. MYTTON would be appointed. The latter gentlemau has efficiently filled the position of Chief Magistrate of the Borough some years ago, and very creditably maintained the dignity of his office. Concerning Councillor E. 0. JONES, it is almost unnecessary to say that he has proved himself a model Mayor, not only in upholding his civic position, but in innumerable ways he has given undeniable evidence of his fitness and his sincere desire to bone- fit the town. When a Mayor is appointed we fear there is as a rule too much consideration of personil rather than capacity of administration. Who should be appointed? The man of service, with power of service still m him; the man with experience sufficient to pick up any department of COl- poration wo/k, unravel any tangled skein of Council business, piece up broken sections IOto one continuous chain of policy the m'to wh shall set an example of self-denying effort; the man who loves and believes in his town, and has given hos-tages on that behalf in the past; the man who shall preserve the impar- tiality of the chair, and diligently strive to maintain the dignity ot the position. Uniy such men should be chosen, only such men should be thought of and Councillor ELLIS JONJES is equal to this ideal, and will doubtless agaiu worthily fill the office of Mayor during the comiog year. At the same time the dis. tribution of munic.pal honours should be general; and unless some unusual occurrence or emergency arises the mayoralty shou'd not be a monopoly for any party for years in succession. As will be seen by our I report of the procee(iing;.i of the Council, Councillor PRYCE-JONKS deemed it his duty to protest against the manner in which the election of Mayor had been conducted, and publicly stated that there had been "coercion" used. It is intolerabla that any ou'side influence should be brought to hear upon the election of the officials of a representative body, aud taking for prauted the truth of Mr PRYCE-JONFS'S state- ment, it should be the doty of every member of the Welshpool Council to take snch stops as will effec- tually put. a stop to it. Our representative has iu. terviewed several Couucillor, but they decline to allow their statements to appear. The reason for this reticience can only be surmised, but thq "free and independent" electors of Welehpojl are entitled aud certainly should expect an explanation of the whtile affair. Alderman HARRISON professed his indignation at the remark, bur. it is significant that he did not attempt to deny the impeachment. The practice of eoercion cannot be too strongly condemned. It strikes at the welf are of a town, at the root of the representatives' and rate- payers' independence, and is only practised by men who know they will be defeated in fair and open fight- ing. We shall look forward with interest to the uext meeting of the Welshpool Town Council.

NEWTOWN. The United Parish Choirs of Newtown and Llan. llwchaiarn, will hold their festival about Easter. The Leture on Ayslum Life, announced for Thursday last, by the Rev E Jenkins, Manafon, was not delivered. The Hafren Habitation of the Primrose League announce a meeting for Friday next, when a delegate from the Grand Council will attend. Full particulars are given in an advertisement. It is proposed to give a performance of Handel's Messiah early next year, in aid of the Infirmary, High class professionals, and a full chorus with orchestra is contemplated. The promoters of this worthy object are the members of the Newtown Glee and Madrigal Union. A MUSICAL TREAT.-The visit of the Flood. Porters is being looked forward to with pleasure by the Musicians of Newtown. When here before, they gave such unmixed satisfaction, that their return was looked upon as inevitable. We have received a large number of press opinions, which all speak in the greatest praise of the elevating influence of their entertainment, and of the high standard of the music performed. TBTe COLLIERS.—At the close of the last week- night service at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, it was suggested that an effort should be made to raise funds for the support of the colliers who are out of work, and a proposal was made that an entertain- ment be arranged, to be held in about a fortnight's time. It was, however, thought that there was" nol time like the present, and a collection was made, and the amount subscribed forwarded to Lhe relief fund the following day. ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL MUTUAL IMPROVE- MENT SOCIETY.-At the usual weekly meeting on October 31st in the Congregational School room a useful and interesting debate on Were the miners justified in refusing the 25 per cent. reduction," was held. Mr A. Evans opened in the affirmative, and Mr A. E. Goodwin replied. The subsequent speakers were Messrs R. Goodwin, M. E. Park, G. H. Harrison, and the Chairman, Mr T. Rees. The genera] opinion expressed by the several speakers was that on the principles on which the coal trade had pre- viously been conducted seemed to justify the masters' proposal, but that on the principle of humanity the men were justified in their position to demand a living wage. On a vote being taken a large majority decided in the men's favour. MILFORD ROAD LITERARY SOCIETY.—The weekly meeting in connection with the above society was held on Wednesday, when there was a larere number of members present. The meeting, which took the form of a Happy Evening," was presided over by Mr Richard Rees. The following was the pro- gramme :-Chairman's address; song, Miss Pollie Williams recitation, Mr M. E. Williams song. Mr R O. Williams; dialogue, Mrs Hugh Davies, Miss Tirion Williams, Miss Ethel Jones, and Mr E. Hughes; song. Miss Jennie Roberts; competition, impromptu debate, three couples competed, neither of whom were deemed worthy of the prize song and chorus, Mr W. Eramer and Party; song, Mr R. O. Williams; song, Mr R. Hamer; song, Mr M. E. Williams; recitation, Mr R. O. Williams; song, Mr E. Goodwin competition, impromptu speech, eight competed, neither of whom were qualified to win the prize quartett, the Hamer Brothers. A DISTINGUISHED MASON.—A London news- paper has the following paragraph corcerning our townsman Bro. Egbert Roberts, whose Saturday evening popular concerts at Myddelton Hall, Upper- street, Islington, are a musical feature of the season, has a distinguished Masonic career. Bro. Robert,, was initiated in the "West Smithfield Lodge, 1623, September 1878. and is now Org. of that Lodge; joined the Cosmopolitan 917, at Cannon-street Hotel, in 1886 of which he is a P.M., a Founder, and the Org. of the Philbrick" Lidge, held at Chingford, 2255, P.P G.O. Esex; invested by Loid Brook, at Easton" Lodge, P.Z. West Smithfield" Chapter, held at Anderton's W.M. at Present of th,- "West Smithfield" Mark, and P.P.G.SB. (Mark) Middlesex and Surrey, Org. Mount Calvary," "Rose Croix," 33, Golden Square, Org. "Mount Calvary Encampment" (or Early Grand Encamp- ment of England), Knights' Templar," Inns or- Court Hotel, "Sir Knight of the Order of Malta." 'The National Great Priory," Mark Masons' Hall. Truly a good record." SCHOOL CONCERT.—On Friday evening the scholars of the New Church-street Boys' School gave a very pleasing entertainment in their school, under the chairmanship of Mr. Edward Powell, The schoolroom was crowded to the remotest corner. The songs, solos, recitations, and sword drill were executed with commendable ability, and it must be most pleasing for the parents, who were present, to see their children trained in such a manner. A word of praise is due to Mr D. J. Saer, head master, for the excellent manner in which he has taught the scholars their various parts. The programme was as follows :-Part song, 'Season follows season'; recita- tion, The brook'; solo, H* wipes the tear,' Mattef F. Whittaker; part song,'Sleep'; recitation, 'The blind boy,' Masters B. Morris and E. Brown; solo, I O rest in the Lord,' Master D. C. Evans;.part song, 'Excelsior'; part song, Swabian trooper's song'; annerchiad, Owen, Glyndwr,' Mr R. O. Williams; solo, 'Bedouin song,' Mr D. J. Saer; pianoforte solo, Songs without words,' Mr A. E. Evans; part song, 'Indian warrior's grave'; song, The land of the harp,' Mr R. O. Williams; part eons, Stars of the summer night'; trio, Far away,' Masters H. Percival, G. Morris and S. Hugaes; recitation, 'Aesalom,' Mr A. E. Evans sword drill; recitation. 'Charge of the light brigade'; part song, Pull for the northern shore.' TEMPERANCE LECTURE—The first of, & proposed series of monthly lectures in connection with the Church of England Temperance Society was held, on Monday evening, in the National Schools. The lec- turer was the Rjv Henry Moody, Welsh-hsmpton, and the lecture was preceded by a short service in the church. There was a large number present, and the address was based on Proposed Temperance Legis- I lation/' The speakexfor a little time confined himself to pointing oat the bestways in which those present could help the temperance cause, and then went on to bpeak of the trade of the publ can. In the coarse of bill speech he pointed out how dangerous a calling that of a publican was. A man goes to a public, house t\nd gets drunk, goes home and beats his wife and children, and causes all happiness to cease in his family; it was often the case, and they all knew it very well. Now, if there were services held in halls by some public bodies, and were attended by public men, ana after these services men go home and commit some dreadful deed, such as murdering their wives or violently assaulting their children, all through the influence of those services, there would immediately be an Act passed in Parliament putting a stop to those services. Some of the judges of the country stated that nearly 80 per cent, of the orime of this country was caused by exoes-sive drinking; a considerable proportion of pauperism was brougnt about by intemperance; their lunatio asylum*, prisons, and workhouses were also filled owing to in- temperance. If the money annually spent in drink (. £ 140,000,000) were given to the Government what a blessing that would be. There were already several bills before Parliament which bore on the temperance question. There Nv-s the Local Option, Local Veto, Bishop of Chester's Bills, &c. The last-named, the lecturer considered the beat. It gave the people the option of having public-houses or not. If they de- cided to have public-houses, they should decide by majority how they should be conducted. They should be conducted by a company, who should be respon- sible fer the licences. If they decided by a majority that they should not have any public-houses the matter would be at an end. It was a disgrace to Christian England that public-houses should be opened at all on Sunday. In Wales, he was pleased to say, they were closed, bat it was on the Saturday nights' and Sundays that ino?t of the drinking took place, and he advocated a bill that would close the public-houses altogether on Sunday, and much earlier on Saturday. The temperance question was not a party question it was for Churchaien, Noncon- formist->, and members of all denominations to join together and try and get a bill passed that would further their causa. Prior to the address and after. t. -3 LL- the C.E.T.o. choir sang temperance nymns, aan me meeting closed with prayer and a vole of thinks to the lecturer. WSSLBYAN FOREIGN MISSIONS.—On Sunday last missionary sermons were preached at the Wes- layan Methodist Church, in the moruin(C by tbe Rev, F Hunter, and in the evening by the Rev T. E. Williams, pastor of the Baptist Chureb.-On Monday evenicjr a meeting was held in ihe chapel, when th" chair was ably filled by Dr Donald B. Kiss, and there *ero on the platform, the Revs W. Letharby (deputition), T. E. Williams (Baptist), A. G. Rennison (Primitive Methodist), Jenkin Jones (Congregational), and F. Elutiter.-The Chairman, iu his introductory remaiks, said it was quite » esefsa y for a iittle new life aud missionary enterprise to be infused into the Wealeyan Church and indeed there was something thats r uckcold and there wasan UDitym- pathetic feeling towards every movement that w. a initiated in the Church. He was just afraid that if John Wesley could only come back to life, be would iiar Uy be able to r. cognise his own followers at Newtown. Hi welcomed h artuy the ministers of otti'jr churches, and said it showed that there waa t h,.t spirit of chat icy prevalent, which they were all triad to see (hear, h,-a.r, and applaute).—The Rev F. Hunter read the report, which showed that the Newtown Circuit's contribution was.936 5sd. being an increase of £ 3 5a 8d.—The Rev W. Letbarby gave » v-ry interesting and instructive address on the hopefulness of missionary entHrprize." Missions, he said, did not exist 100 years back. It was only by understanding the doctrine ot the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man that missionary enter. prise and spirit was roused. In 1792 the Baptist missionary spirit came- into existence, and three years later the London Missionary Society was formed; in 1799 the Church Missionary Society was started, and in 1804 the British and Foreign Bible Society was inaugurated. After that came the Wesleyan Foreign Missionary Society and those societies belonging to other denominations until now there were more than 70-societies, in addition to & large number of other societies and agencies, at work in different parts of tlae world (applause) One hundred years ago there were bat 170 missionaries, to-day there were 3,000 ordained missionaries, in I addition to a large number of native ministers and thousands of male and. female- agents. The income for foreign missions 100 years back was £ 25,000, to-day it reached the amount of J £ l,250,000; 100 years ago they had but 50,00*^ adherents, to-day tisey had 2,000,000; 100 years ago they had but 70 schools, I to-day they had 12.000; 10U yeans ago they only bad the Bible translated into 50 languages, to-day it, wae written in 300 languages and dialects; 100 years ago the mis >iou<tries were not kindly reeeived, but to-day there was scarcely a place wbare they would not be welcomed, while there.were many who were crying out Come over and help us. He contended that all these difficulties having been accomplished in the past, and the work having so prospered, that in the future not having those difficulties to igain couUnd with the, success of their libouss would be gre tly enlarged and marked. The- succese- they had achieved in the past was a pledge cf the success t I ey would attain in the future.-The Rav J«nkyn Jonac proposed, and Rev T. E. Williams seconded, Rev A. (j. Kenmaou supporting, a vote of thanks to the Deputation (Rev W. Letbarby), and to the Chairman

WELSHP00L. I O.G.T.—The district lodge, in oonaection with this order was held at New-street Schootroom, on Friday last. A good number oi delegates w. re present. In the evening a public meeting was hed, Mr John Oliver, Newtown, presided.. Skmgs, recita- tions, etc., were given by members of the order. Mr Alfred Jones, accompanied. TJüt. was a large number present. TRAP AcciDzmT.On Friday evening last as Mr Hugh Francis, Derwendaeir, was driving home from Berriew, when just opposite Moat Sarm, something, apparently a dog, rlin out of the, hedge which frightened the horse and caused it to swerve. The occupants of the trap, four in unmber, were pitched out. Fortunately three escaped with bat a slight shaking, while Mr Francis dislocated his shoulder. The shafts of the trap were broken. Under med.cal aid. the injured one is progreoping favourably. THJ: UNITED CHOIlt.A.t. the weekly practice last Tuesday evening, it was unanimously resolved that the hon. sec. should write to Dr. Cawthorne and to Mr R. J. Williams (Glanhafren) on behalf of the choir, expressing the regret felt by the members at losing two such good friends -of to«» musical cult in Welshpool, and wishing them every happiness amidst their new environments. The resolution was ably proposed by Mr John Jones and seconded by Mr T. Simpson Jones. Mr T. M. Price aad Mr Robert Owen also testified to the valuable assistance that both Dr. Cawthorne and Mr Williams gave to tao choral and orchestral societies of the town. POLICB COURT.-At the police court on Saturday before the Mayor and D 'Wall, Esq., Hugh Stafford, charged William Robinson with adraulting bin. on the previous night in Powell's Iana.Sentencei to 14 days' hard labour,-Alleged Serious Assault,— Robert Beadles, hawker, Wel-hpool, was arretted about one o'clock on Saturday for having serious y assaulted his sister, Mrs Davies. the wife of a cabinet maker. The assault was regarded as a serious one, and caused considerable excitement. The wom1 was conveyed to the surgery of Dra Gill and Marston who attended to her injuries which consisted of scalp wounds. Beadles will be brought up this day. MAYOR AT CHuactti--On..Sa,-d.y, the Mayor, in his rooos wearing the chain of office, at-ended by the To'n Clerk, Aldermen G. D. Harrison and T. R. Morris, and Council, with Messrs D. P. Owen, D Wall, and W. Rogers, J.P'g., Mace Bearers, Members of the Fire Brigade in full dress, and a Posse < i Poliee, with Dept. Chief Constable Crowden, Serg. Humphreys, and Tradesmen, attended Sc. Church. The sermon was prelche..1 by Rev. F. ll. Hawkins, who took for his text, "oar citizenship is in Heaven," and some very practical remarks were given. The vicar, Rev Grimaldi Davis, iotoned th. service. After service the precession a., re,formed and marched to the Town Hall, when h s Worship thanked them for Accompanying bitn 'o Church. CHURCH SOCJAJU. AND*. LITJSBABY UNION.—The opening session of this society washeid at the Church Hpuse on > hursday evening. It was well attended, and took the form of a smoking concert. Rev Llewelyn Jones occupied thechair, and was supported by the hon. sec., Mr C. Shuker. The programme included pongs by Messrs T. Simpson Jones, Robert Owen; S. Manford, G.. Davies, S. Copnall, W. Humphreys, T. Jones, Tagg, and A Grice; violin solo by Mr Clement T. Jones; zither solo by Mr J. Sapple; banjo song by lTr Reed; recitation by Mr George Pbaeookvote of luanlxs were given to per- formers and Chairman, Mr T. M Pryce kindly gave his services at the piano, and a mob. enjoyable even- ing was spent. A large number of iw members were enrolledi.

(2AJSK8WS. AN AMUSING BLUNDER.—As many of our <.<*aders are aware the Montgomery-shire County C ouncil have recently caused to be erected a number of finger-poctc. throughout the county. By some unfortunate bl uuder a finger-post was erected at Cderews on which it states than the iistance to Newtown was 5l mile-, while a milestone a few yards on the Newtjwn sId. states it to be 6 miles to that place Anutherbiandei was that it was one mile to Pontdolgoch, while on(- at that place states it to be two miles to Caergws, Tt e wags of the city tried to Polve thi. problem bat failed until Boniface came-to.the rescue by staling that it was one of his customers who measured the road. While coming fio, his houee it was one mile, aud Z!(' he caused it to be entered accordingly but on returning he measured it again, when be found it to be two miles. Needless to say this explanation wa deemed satisfactory. GRAND EVBNINGL CONCEI&T'-OU Monday the 6th, inst., a concert was held in the Wesleyan Chapel by the Caerews United Choir. The chair was taken by J. Owen, Esq, Llandinan Hall. The first part includ- ed Root's cantata, entitled "The Choicest Gift." Solo parts were taken by Miss Francis, Miss L. Owen Mr J. Richards, and Mr R. Jones. The reading was very effectively performed by Mr E. Rogers. The can- tata was conducted by Mr G. M. Evans. The 6econd part of the programme commenced with an address by Mr E Jones. Songs were given by Miss Gertrude Jones Mr Davies, Llanidloes, Mr G. Evans, Mr J. Richards and Mr Jones. The Caersws Male Voice Party ren- dered two choruses,, Glory and Love and The Young Musicians." The accompanists were Mr R. Jones and Mr D. Davies. A vote of thanks to all tho"e that assisted in the proceedings was proposed bv Dr Snow and seconded by Dr Campbell. A vote of thanks to the chairman was proposed by Mr Fran- cis and seconded by Mr G. M. Evans. The singing of toe N diollal Anthem brought a pleasant evening to a cluse. The cantata rendered is one of Root's best works, and is tuneful and pleasing throughout. Its suitability for Much performances was recognised by each of tho speakers, who also testified to the excels, lenl, tuition of the choir by its talented conductor. It would be a ma ter for congratulation if complete works were more frequently sung, instead of the scrappy, unequal pot-pourri too often set before an audience. LLAITHDDU. SCUOOL TEtEAT.-On Friday, October 21th. the children nttending the day and Sunday schools, to gether with their pitrents and friends, had their annual school treat. The teamakers were kept busy for a long time, over 200 sitting down to tea. Mrs Haig, Pea Ithon, gave el as usual towards defraying the expeuses. This was supplemented by £ 1 given by Miss Emily Yapp, Lodge Mr D. Davies, Tycan, kindly undertaking to be reapDnsible for any expenses over and above the amount stated. The tea tables were presided over by Mrs and the Misses Yapp, M s Evans, Upper Lisithdu, and the Misses Davies, Doly Caefrydd, assisted by a host of willing helpers. After tea the children proceeded to an adjoining field, where they scrambled for apples, distributed by Mr G. Wozencraft, Glanrafou. In the evening a very successful entertainment was held in the a( hoolroom, under the genial presidency of Mr Pugh, C vmderw. Th) children acquitted themselves very creditably in reciting their various dialogues, and a very Krea.t improvement wa"- noticeable m tne singingsince th,y have been under the tutorship of Mr Evans, Upper Llaithddu, to whom great praise is due for the trouble he has taken in bringing them to such a pitch of excellence. The Committee wish to tender th -ir thanks to all those who so ably helped to make the entertainment such a splendid success. The follow- ing programme was rendered .-Address, the Chair- man song Hark, ten thousand," Children: dia- logue -Love for Sunday school," M. and F. Davieg recitation Mice," J. T. Hughes; song It God be for us," Children; poetry The milkmaid's story," M. George; dialogue "The monstrous shame," M. J. and J. T. Hughes; soug Tenderly guide us," Children; poetry "Papa's letter," F. George; dia- logue by Catherine Wozencraft rind party; song. I" Beyond the swelling flood," Children; poetry I" Whtot. is the use of grumbling," M. George; poetry Praver and potatoes," Jane Davies; song They that wait upon the Lord," Children: dialogue "0. Sabbath breaking," R. Price and W. Wozencraft; pcietrv, M. J. Hughes song Go work in My vint- yard," Children; dialogue The ftolaimed Sunday scholar," J. Davies and party; reoitation, Mty George; dialogue The milk oan," E. and J. Hamer; song "A shelter in the time of storm," Children; closing Add.-ess, J. Davies and party; song "Peace be stiil," Children. Mr Hnghas, theSohool, acted as acoompaniafc.

I LLANIMLOES. THE Niz;TH.-As usual ther.inth of November wa kept here, the juvenile portion of the inhabitant; parading the streets in the evening, and an occasions squib was seen to be thrown. The borough banc played through the iitreets and vicited Bryndwr, th< residence of the newly-elected Mayor, (Aid. Willian George) followed by a large crow.

BERRIEW. AGRICULTURE.—A circumstance worthy of record in local history, and also in the history of England or Wales, took place :n the pa-t week. A stack of wheat, belonging to Miss Gough, the Hollies, whieh had been stacked for over 20 years, was threshed bv Messrs Edward Lloyd ar.d Owen, and it was fix-ai | after all those number of years that not a rat or moose was to be seen.—Mr Pugh. of Luggy, lisa this year grown swedes 30 inchea in ciionmfereuee, and mangolds 18 inches.

ABERMULE. ACCIDEWT.—On Saturday night a. rather peculiar accident occurred at Abermule, on the Kerry Rail- way. It appears that a man named Hugh Jones, a platelayer, living at Hodley, Kerry, was returning home from Aberinnle, walking up the line, when, ,according to his own statement, he heard the 7.30 train from Kerry coming along. In his-burry to get out of the way of the approaching train his foot | caught oa the metals, arid Jones tell violently on some old metals lying1 on the side of the track, frac- '¿- 1_ J. iunng msieic leg. tie was picked up and conveyed with all speed to the Montgomeryshire Lifirmary at Newtown, where he was attended by Ds. Silver, who attended to the injured limb.

MONTGOMERY. MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETT>—THE FEAT meeting of this session was held at the Preshyterian Schoolroom on Friday evening, the Rev IL W- Lowry presiding. A lecture on "Phrenology" was given by the Rev J. Davies, and tho subsequent debate was shared in by Messrs T. WC Owen, J. Rowlands. B. Tomley, and T. Soley. Votes of thanks to the Chairman and lecturer terminated the proceedings. THz MATOR. AT CHURCH.—On Sundar-the newly- eleeted Mayor, Col. R. J. Harrison, of Caerhowell. with the other members of the Corporation and the borough officials, attended divine servise at the Parish Church. The procession assembled at the Town Hall, and headed by the Sergeant-al-Mace and police constables, marched to Church rr"e, Broad- street, being met at the porch by the Reotor and sur- pliced choir. An excellent and appro prio&e'sennou was preached by the Rector, Rav E. W. Brown, M.A., who took as his text, Matthew 22ad efap. 21,"t verse. »

THE LATE REV. ROBERT HUGHES. From an announcement in the Christian World of last week, we are sorry to have to inform oortreaders of the sudden death of the above-named gentleman, which took place at Crumlin, on Saturday, 4th in.-it. As he was a native of this county, anè J one- well known, we deem it to be our duty to give our readers a short sketch of his life. He was born in the parish of Llanfihangel, the son of a small farmer. His parents were not considered to be religious people; at least, they were not identified with any Christian Churoh, or engaged in any Christian work. A ser- vant induced him when a boy to accompany him to the Welsh Society meeting held at the Congrega- tional Chapel near. It was there that he received his first religious impression, which- resulted in his joining the Church. Very soon it wasevident- he was possessed of unusual talent, and invited -by the min- ister (the late Rev. David Morgan, of Llanfyllin), to exercise his talent in preaching, ,and often. he accompanied Mr Morgan during bis itinerant preach- ing tours. When only a boy of 14 he was to be seen preaching upon a chair. Eventually he proceeded to college, first to Brecon and then to Bala. In 1850 he received and accepted a call to the Welsh Congre- gational Church at Welshpool. In 1856 he married Annie, only daughter of the late Mr Reynold Wilson, of Penybont, Llandrinio, and eister. to Mr Pryo Wilson, Ffinant, Manafon, by whom, he. had two daughters. In 1863 he received au invitation to Carmel Chapel, Beaufort, Moomouthshire, to on-coeed the late Dr Thomas Rees, who had just gone to Swansea, which he accepted. To maxk the esteem in which Mr and Mrs Hughes were held in Welshpool, they were presented by Mr E.1is O. Jones, the present Mayor, on behalf of the Church and congre- gation, with a gold watch, a timepiecp, and an album. Mr Hughes' ministry at Bdaufcrt was for some years very successful, the ^oh«rsh num- bering over 400 members. At length domestic bereavement came first in the death of his youngest daughter which took place in 1869 at the age of 10 years, and in the foilowing year of Mrs Hughes, after a very brief illness. Thie was a blow from which he never recovered. From this time there seems to have been a loss of natural power -and a gradual decay of mental energy. In the course of a year or two unfortunate circumstances led to his resignation of the pastorate. From this time forward he becam< childish and effeminate. First, an BUenavon, and latterly at Crumlin hecoatinued to hoi# the pastorate of small churches, but his former vo,er appears to have left him. He spent a few weeks- every summer in Montgomeryshire amoug his old associates and acquaintances. In 1892. however,. he brought the intelligence that he had invested his all in the ill-fated Liberator, and that he had become a victim of Ju-bez Spencer Balfour and Co. Tothofe he visited it was pitiful to hear his tale, and the language of despair be used. By 1893 his loss was partly made up by his being made an annuitant of the Congrega- tional Pastore Retiring Fund, but it was evident to ail that his constitution was breaking up, that the previous shock had been t- prf-a-t for him, and thus we are not surprised to hear of his sudden death on Saturday week.

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST A SCHOOLMASTER To the Editor of the Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times. Sir,—Kindly permit me as the Master of the school referred to in your issue of the 31st ult. to say the eta, ements are grossly untrue. I quote your own words: Another woman with tears in her eyes de- clared that blows on the side of the head with a ruler had caused her child to beeome deaf." If the above can be verified I will give .£1(). to any local charity. No child has ever been hit on the side of che head, or on the head at all with a ruler, and the assertion that the children of the parents who were summoned would not attend school on account of the Master's severity is an excuse invented by the parents for the purpose of escaping conviction for their culpable fneglect of duty io sending their children regularly to school. Before [ became Master of the school three of the same defendants were sum noned for similar ;neglect of duty, (one parent has been summoned three times), and: seeing that notorious cases year iafter year of irregularity of attendance are sirup.v dismissed, I wonder that the Commi t-ee of Council on Education is not communicated with.—I am, Sir, yours truly, Marton, Chirbury, Salpn. JAMES C. MAIN. 9th Nov., 1893.

THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE. To the Editor of the Montgomeryshire Express t and Radnor 'L'imes. I Sir.-Will yon allow me to a-k the help of ypct readers in obtaining materials for a memoir on thtr recent earthquake felt in Wales and the West of Enarland on Movember 2nd. My object in this memoir is to trace as accnrately as possible the boundary of the are over which the shock was felt, or the accompanying sound heard, and to draw lines through all places at which the shook was approximately the same intensity. It wld be of great service to know simply the names of as many places as possible where the sbpek was felt, or the accompanying eound heard. S'jjll more Wielul would it be to have answers to any of the questions printed below, especially to those numbered 2.3., 5, and 6. I shall be most glad and thankful to receive accounts from any places whateves, especially from places in Montgomeryshire, and I may add that I no exact, acoount, however scanty the information given, can fail to possess some value or to help in throwing light on tne nature and origin of the shock. 1.—Name of the place where the earthquake was observed. j 2.—-Time at which it w«a felt, if possible to the j nearest minute. | 3-Nature of the shock: (a)Were two distinct • shooks telt, separated by an interval of a few semndt F (b) If so, whieh was the stronger f (c) What was the duration of each, and of the interval between them?; During this interval was (dl any tremulous motion felt, or (e) the rumbling sound heard P 4.—How many seconds did the shock l, not, including the accompanying sound P S.-Was the *hock strong (a) to make doors, win. dows, fire-irons, crockery, & rattle; (h) to eaue; the chair, &c., on which the observer was resting b perceptibly raised or moved (c) to make cuan-ic- liers, pictures, &c., awing, or to stop clrcki ? 6. (a) Was the shock accompanied by t y unns -I rambling sound; and, if M, wh tt did it r^embte f (h) Did the beginning of the sound preoo le, com. d with, or follow, tne beginning of t!ie sh -r-k, t,iit' how many seconds? (c; Did the end of the o. I recede, coincide with, or follow, the end of euock, and by how manymeconds ?-Yours obediti-, 373, Giliott Road, CHARLES DAVI*V;>. Birmirigbam, Nov. 6th, 1893.

{ NOTES O FOOTBALL. L-By Waiwdbreb.] SHROPSHIRE AND MSTEBGT 1 LEAGUE. UEWTOWN v. MARKET DBAY3{?J £ This league fixture wa* played on Saturday afr ewtewn, on "I'nu Cunnings," before a gooi'«ium» r, 8fc>ecjtaiors. Tne horme team won the wes", and Hobson, kicked off toe the v.sito.-s a few Minutes, after baU-pu^t two. A throw in fell to the Dtaytoa tearn. alid Gr-^n and Ha&eideue maie a rush.-but they were repulsed, and Parry securing, rusked up ttle field witn tb- nail and sent in a beauty, whicu completely beat Boulimers asii scored the first goal in less thau fivia minutfroevthe star. F.j&ehed- with suœ"i! Pr..y an i Morgan returned co the attack, but we-e unsuccessful, and a se ies of throwing' full owed, W £ L Pyoe-J.-nes finally ijeiuiiui? b&nifid..FLiZtJ.deiJH. ojMii a, pretty run dow.i the win*, One iu i he jm«s Tayi.-r SeCUBed and cleared r-pendid-y. WhaUey and VV. E. Pryve' Jones raced down the field, tbe former centring off. the line. Two corners the i f.,U to N Nvwwu, but, they failed to. gaiu any a-lvauta^ Another corner fe-A to the homesters, wniuh -&4- wa 1 p-tice-I by iParEy, and. lilite 1 over t.h. bar by A W. Pryce-Jones, Bircn and Morris th,u rnn dcovu tti field. t>utTaylor. was there, anoi i ii his u-uat st^U# e eared nujid loud cheering. A nice run up be right wing pl.<d tne home goal iadange M.jrrisr can tied beautifully, but Bircn, erringiy, lifted it over the bar. Tue, same wing rrvatle another niee run, but Taylor wai tco good for Vo is, and completely beat him, and gave the badi-i to Chapman, who Met in a hot shot, ana caused the goal- keeper to give a corn-r. It was taken by W. E- Pi-yee-Jones, and A. W. Pryce-Jones scored with ,80 beautiful shot. From the kick-off W E. Pryco- Jones and Whalley pnssed nicoiy, and worked the ball well; down the field. W. i? ..Pryce-Jones passed to Parry, who was beaten by -Vowler. A foul wao- giTen in favoar of Newtown, and Potrry secarin- just mged to plaoe the ball owe* the bar. Tueker «;ot possession or the globe, and chivied it up. tinj held, but unfortunately shot wide. Birch and Morris then got possession, and made a pretty spin i towards the home territory, but tijodwin, who .was plaving iostead of Townsend, stapped them, but they returned to the at'.ack, and caused Rees a littie trouble, W. E. Pryca-Jonee -aad Whalley made a combined run up the field, the latter doing some/very neat work, but inot in the last moment he unfortu' nately headed behind. Birch and Morris made a fiae run, and centred well to Hobson, who nad the goal at his ntarcy, and failed &'J score. Newtown secured hands in the goat, but- Tacker 8ho wide. The visitors right wing made a rash, and were very near scoring when hands was given. Morgan headed ovan the bar twice from two tree throws, and from another Tucker parsed to Morgan, and the latter headed it beautifully into the hands of the custodian. Some give and take play ensued, and eventually Chapmaii secured and scored the third goal. Upon restarting after half-time A. W. Pryee-Jones and Chapman. atade a da.hmg rllll and passed to Whalley. The latter headed in a shot which was saved. Parry and Morgan then brokst away and forced a corner, -,vaiett Cnapman drove over. From a corner the visitors secured hands in tho goal which was headed ovsr. The visitors were very unlucky near the goal, aad oould not score. Watley secured the fourth goal- from a pass by Parry Hobson gave ees somA troltble- but eventually. e-hot over the bar. After a good! deal of scuffi ng near visitor's goal, Morgan secnrc;<i, and with a fine eho £ swicki the fit-h for Newtown.- The homesters agikii-. returned to the attack, and ^fewyy centreing, Morgan scored the 6ixth very soon aitier the last. A scckm- mage took place in the Drayto* goal, which .caused much excitement, and A hen,, one of the half backs of the Drayton team. woi-sd a good seventh foe Newtown. A very short time elapsed before A. VV. Pry ca-Jones scored that eighth, and the. home- sters came off the field victorious by eight goals- to none. The following are-she teams :— Newtown -Goal. E. Rses; backs, 0. Taylor and. Goodwin; half bicke, Tu.ker, T. Chapman, and T. Wortheu; right wing. W. E. Pryoe-Jones-. anii Whalley, left wing. Parry aud Morgan s, centre, A. W. Pryoe-Jones. Market Drayton:-Goal, Boulimere; backs, JFowler^ and Bates half backs, Tixamis, Nodes and Allen right wing, Hazeldene and Greeu; lett wing, Birqb. and Morri« centre, Hobson. Linesmen :—Lewis and; Humphrey Owen. Referee,—Mc'Ill wraith. CAERSWS E CARNo.-Thie match WSo". played )at. Caersws on Saturday, 4th inst., and .resulted in ear- win for the home tear* by 4 goals to nil. At haif time Caersws were leading by 3 to O. In the secyod half they many times had hard lines, bat, only added one to their score. The play of the CaBrsws teaci. has greatly altered sinwi they met Nejrtown Reserve. Winning team C. Bradley backs,, J; Spoonley and Tom Cleeton half-backs. W, G. Cleeton, E. Watkim and A. Bradley- forwards, G. Bradley, M. Watkins, P. Price, W. AHrqe and M. Price. WELSHPOOL v. IA.-AXIDLC) *Rs.-A very gooclfgama was witnessed between these two clubs, on.. tce Henfaes field, on Saturday. The home team, were fully represented, while Llanidloes, with one,.or two exceptions, played their cup team. The baU>ra set- rolliug at 3 30, aneSiit appear ed evident at the outset that the homesters won d have plenty to oft. The forwards of the contending team showed smart;form, I heading and pa?.wag the ball with good efi'aat. The home team teemad alive to the emergency. The for- wards were well-supported by t':eir backs, and froni,, a pretty run the homesters ore." firs- blo,.d.;and -.t. half-time were fthdad by o.,vo gWll to nosn. Oa changing ends the play of Llanidloes feU ofE, PO JL pressing, but failed to score. Three minutes before the fall of time ths visitors scored, a drawn pame b-;ng the res-ilt. The homerifcers, without mentioning^ nam-»s, playeif well, and if jh same form ou the 2 in -t. N-ill gtand a good chance of cominaront well ror the Juuiui rup. SSROPSHIBE LEAGUE. So fa.r aspis known tM rr^llowin^ is tie result, of the matches iz Abe League play est;- Matches Goals. P. V. L. D,, lv- As&t Pte_ Newtown 5 5- o, (i., 31 i Shrewsbo/ry Town 7 5 2 O* 26 19 WhitchnjRk is. 4 I 2S 10 8 Ironbridge 8 1 o 1 j 5. 6 St. Geoe', 3 2 2 a 9" 7 4 IlereforA 5 2 3 0, 9 r), 4 Wellington Town 5, 2 3 0 8 ]3, 4 Oswesary United 5 1 4 (I 8 18. 2 Market Drayton 5 14 0. 6 24 2 Newport 7 1 6 0 14 2S 2 Wellington Town met Wellington St. George's on Sa u-day in the above lea?n«, at Wedington, the t. wn team coming off victorious by two goals to U')IK5. Irfnb ridge hid Herpford at Jr. abridge on Saturday. tbs bom tettm managing to get off victorious by ith.P goals to case. Whitchurch beat Newpwt at Whitehnroh on Saturday by five goals to three. r On Men lay last a reoresentative team of the various ciub^ forming tha Shropshire Leaene met the Wolverhampton Wanderers on St. George's ground to play: a benef,;$ m,-qltoh, fthe Shropshire Leaene. The Wolves played an exosJJent game, and neither (li grained advantage during the first halt. I the second half the Wolves proved tba better t"am, and scored two goals to DOCI. According to a Wolverh&mpton paper, Cbipman, the Newtown centre half-back, played excellently ENGLISH LEAGUE. In the first division of the English League on Satuiday, Wolverhampton ionrueyed to Newton Heath and got biyvieu by one goal to none. Darwen vanquished West Bromwich Albion at Darwen, by two 'goals to one. Blackburn had Preston North End at Blackburn, and scored one goal to none. Stoke was. eulces-fu! in their match with Burnley at t Stoke, comitg off victorious by four goals to two. Derby County overpowered Everton at Derby, by t..w) goals to one. As son Villa just managed to defeat Scjuderland at Aston Villa, by two goals to one. In tho second division of the English League, Woolwich Arsenal conquered Ardwick by one goal to none. Rotherhaaa lown were beaten by Burton Swifts by our gQils to two. Walsall Swifts made a diaw with Liverpool of ono goal each. Smali Her.h,defesied Lincoln City by five goals to two. aud Grimsby Towa beat Middlesboro Ironopolia by six goals to two. on their own ground.

SHREWSBURY- CORN MARKET, SATORDAT.—The tr,Lue Gf tha;i."t week has not been of an extensive nature and values as & rule have receded. Our market here to-day ws thinly attended, and busi- ness was slow. Tne :i.tle wheilt oa offer made last vveek'a quotations, but barley, txjept the finest qua ,t.es, was unsalable except, at Is per quarter reduction. Oats were firm.—Quotations.—White vhiat 4s 2d to 4s 41 per 751 bs red wheat 4&0dto An Lx I>tt761bs; baney 4 Od to 55 3d per 701ba; oat4 12:11 Od to 14s 6d per 225lbs peas 12* Od to 136 1 per 225iba; beans 15« Od to 16s 0d por ?- W, L, Browne and Go's C'ir ular.