The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

The Old Story. THE old story of ignorance, neglect, and forgetfulness, was related to the Caersws magistrates, on Monday, by a number of farmers, charged with infringements of the Sheep Scab Order, through exposing sheep for sale without a declaration that they had been dipped, and moving them from an infected area without a license. Notwith- standing these regulations are published broadcast, both in English and Welsh, and explained through the medium of innumerable prosecutions, the plea of ignorance is still resorted to. Some of the delinquents dis- carded that worn-out excuse in favour of human forgetfulness. One had filled up the declaration as to the ewes, but forgot about the rams; another forgot all about the license until he was near the auction, and a third, failing to find the local policeman at home on the morning of the sale, drove off his flock without the requisite license. All of the defendants are probably now laughing up their sleeves. The trivial fine of a shilling and costs is nothing to pay for freedom from troublesome regulations. What though the magistrates threaten heavier penalties; the threat is a mere stereotyped expression.

MONTGOMERYSHIRE CHILDREN EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL. At the County Education Committee, on Tues- day, the Chairman (Mr Hugh Lewis) made a verbal report in reference to the exclusion of a number of Montgomeryshire children from Llany- mynech School. The delegates, he stated, visited Llanymynech, and met the Clerk to the Shrop- shire Education Committee, and Mr Johnson, H.M. inspector. They tound that the school was very much over-crowded, and they had suggested three alternatives to cope with the difficulty. The school had been built by the joint contribu- tions of Carreghofa and Llanymynech parishes. It was built in Shropshire, and, of course, they in Montgomeryshire had no legal claim on it. They were justified in excluding their children. The Clerk (Mr Llewelyn Phillips) then read a long letter which he had written to the Carreg- hofa Parish Council, to the effect that some time ago notice was addressed to the Committee that the managers of Llanymynech School, owing to the over-crowding of the school, would be com- pelled to exclude a number of Montgomeryshire children of the higher standards from the achool, unless some satisfactory arrangement was made. The school, it appeared, was in Shropshire, and was a non-provided school. The number on the books was 176, drawn in equal proportions from both counties, whilst accommodation was pro- vided for 157 only. It would be seen, therefore, that it was necessary in some way or other to pro- vide additional accommodation. This might be done in several ways-by the provision of a new school in Montgomeryshire for the accommodation cf the children in the county, the enlargement of the present school, or an arrangement with those interested, whereby the Church-house might be used as an infants' school. Supposing the first suggestion was adopted, half of the cost of a new building in Montgomeryshire would be borne- according to the rule adopted by the Education Authority-by the parish or area served by the school. The cost of the building would be defrayed by loan, repayment of which would be spread over a number of years. It was seriously to be considered whether it was advisable to cast so heavy a charge upon so small a parish as Car- reghofa. Should the second suggestion be adopted, seeing that it was a non-provided school, no part of the expense could be borne by the Education Authority of this county, or, indeed, of Shropshire, and in such case the necessary expenditure would fall upon the inhabitants of Carreghofa and Llanymynech parishes, and would have to be raised, he supposed, by voluntary con- tributions. In view of the third course being adopted, contributions from this county towards meeting any increase in the expense of mainten- ance, such as employment of a teacher with higher qualifications than those now required, could possibly be made, but in view of that arrangement being made, the initiative would be taken bv the inhabitants of n»rrp<rVmfa rkftri oli -0- I:¡o. He asked the Council to convene a parish meeting to consider the matter. In reply to this letter, the Clerk submitted a resolution passed by the Parish Council to the effect That this Parish Council are surprised at the action of the managers of Llanymynech in their intention of expelling a number of children belonging to Carreghofa parish, as the landowners and inhabitants of this parish subscribed the greater part towards the building of the school (one landowner giving X300). also a good sum was collected. Although the school is in Shrop- shire, it was intended for the whole of the parishes of Llanymynech and Carreghofa. If any children should be moved, this parish is of the opinion that some of the children living at Pant should be sent to Pant School, and those residing in Morton parish should be transferred to Morton School." The Council further stated that a parish meeting would be convened to consider the matter. Mr R. E. Jones: I cannot see why they should expel Montgomeryshire children any more than Shropshire. Mr E. R. Roberts said there was no accommoda- tion for the children at Llandysilio School, so that they bad nowhere to go. Fifteen, he believed, had already been expelled from Llanymynech School. Mr Richard Phillips thought as Montgomery- shire had subscribed a considerable amount towards the school, it was not very honourable of the Shropshire people to expel the Montgomery- shire children. They should appeal to their honour. Captain Mytton did not agree with Mr Phillips. The Shropshire Committee were bound to take this step. Carreghofa should have seen to their rights when they subscribed towards the erection of the school. He did not think Mr Phillips should say anything about the honour of the Shropshire people. They were very honourable when the Committee met them with a view to coming to some arrangement. Mr Richard Jones: It seems to me the best course is to wait the resolution of the Carreghofa parish meeting, and see whether they can bring any pressure to bear upon Shropshire. Mr Roberts: What about the children that have been expelled ? Mr J. Pryce Jones: We ought to refer the matter to the Board of Education. It is very serious. Mr J. E. Lane Griffiths: I think a very serious matter has been pointed out. The Chairman: Shropshire is really under com- pulsion. If they don't find proper accommodation at Llanymynech, they will lose their grants. Shropshire Education Committee are most anxious to meet us in the matter, and do all they can, but the Board of Education is pressing them. Mr J. E. Lane Griffiths: Do I understand Shropshire Committee have been called upon by the Board of Education to exclude these children ? The Chairman: No, but they are justified in doing it. Mr Griffiths: It is very deplorable that these children should be excluded from the school. The Chairman: I suggest that we write to the Board of Education, pointing out our difficulty, and stating that we are doing our best. Mr B. E. Jones proposed that the matter be referred back to the Executive Committee, to take what action they thought desirable. Mr Forrester Addie seconded. The Chairman: And that we write to the Board of Education ? Mr Addie: I have no objection. Mr Roberts: What about the children ? The Chairman: They will be prosecuted for not attending school, I expect (laughter). Mr R. E. Jones' motion was then carried.

Jubilee of Newtown Free Gift Society. COL. PRYCE-JONES AND THE VOLUNTEERS. Established in August, 1857, the Newtown Free Gift Society is this year celebrating its jubilee, and on Thursday evening last a meeting was held at the Unicorn Hotel in honour of the occasion. The members, both young and old, assembled together in large numbers, and the evening was pleasantly spent. Col. E. Pryce-Jones presided, the vice-chair being occupied by Mr W. H. Lambert. Full justice having been done to the sumptuous dinner, provided by Bro A. R. Breese, bho Chairman proposed The loyal toast," after which Bro W. Spence toasted the Navy, Army and Reserve Forces." Responding, Col. Pryce- Jones said he thought it was absolutely necessary for the maintenance of their country and the continuance of their trade, and they should be strong both in the army and navy. In a very short time it would be the pleasure of the Lord Lieutenant to call a meeting in the county to carry out the recent act of Parliament in reference to the auxiliary forces. Personally, he welcomed the new army scheme in reference to the volun- teers. It would certainly do no harm to the volunteers, and he believed it was capable of doing a great amount of good. In the past, there had been difficulty in getting officers and also men, and had it not been for one establishment he was afraid there would not have been half a company. He thought Newtown should provide more men than it did, and he hoped those who succeeded him would use their influence upon employers of labour, and tradesmen, to make stme sacrifice to maintain a proper volunteer force in the county (applause). In the future, the volun- teers would require a let of support from those, who in the past, had not supported them as they should have done. At one time, it was thought they would be able to get a battalion for the county, but they had not been able to do that, and at present they had to go to Merionethshire and Cardiganshire for support. The toast of the evening "Success to the Society" was proposed by the Chairman. Fifty years, he said, was a long time for a Society like the Free Gift Society to have existed in Newtown, a society absolutely independent, self-supporting, and self-acting in every way. He congratulated and self-acting in every way. He congratulated the society upon its satisfactory financial position (applause). At present there were some 85 members, the largest number there had ever been. In 1897, only ten years ago, there were only 52 members. The bonus paid to each member this last year was no less than 8s, which he thought was a very handsome amount indeed (applause). There had been bonuses every year, but the bonus this year was more than double the amount in 1897 (applause). Responding, the President (Bro Fred Smith), said the Society was all for one object, to assist one another (applause). It was not charity as some people thought it was (hear, hear). The Secretary (Bro W. O. T. Jones) also responded, and gave an interesting account of the origination of the society. Some fifty years ago, he said, there was a wealthy society in the town called The Spinners." "The Spinners," he believed, in those days was in every sense of the word a benefit society, and he had it on very reliable information that it was a society not only for sickness, etc., but that there was a large num- ber of small manufacturers in the town belonging to it, and if any of them were in difficulties, all they had to do was to go to their society, who lent them £ 20, £ 50, or more if they required it. Thus bankruptcy, perhaps, to a lot of small manufac- turers was avoided. He was sorry those days had died out, but still the spirit remained good. When the society broke up, the present Free Gift Society was established, and he was pleased to say that at the present time, after members had taken their share, the Society had granted them extra sums in times of necessity (applause). He believed of all the benefit societies who were registered they were only worth about £ 1 a man, whereas they who were not registered were worth, if they reckoned up, over Xl a man (applause). At this juncture an interesting presentation took place to the Secretary (Bro. W. O. T. Jones). On behalf of the Society, the President handed to Bro. Jones a handsome silver cruet, suitably inscribed, as a token of their esteem, and for ser- vices rendered to the Society. The recipient feelingly returned thanks. The health of the Chairman was proposed by Mr Lambert, and that of the vice-chairman by Bro. W. O. T. Jones. Bro. E. H. Morgan toasted "The town and trade," to which Mr J. Manuel responded. The Chairman also proposed votes of thanks to the Host and Hostess, Bro. Breese replying. During the evening Colonel Pryce-Jones called upon Mr John Jones, Frank well, one of the oldest members of the society, to speak, and he gave a most interesting account of the past and present society's history. A musical programme was provided by Messrs Ernest Owen, J. H. and S. Humphreys, E. H. Morgan, and J. Dadge. Mr D. M. Woolley also gave several gramophone selections. The accom- paniments were played by Mr Ernest Owen.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. The Editor Is not responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents "The Silly Old Story." Sir,—In the issue of September 30th, I find an account of a meeting held in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Welshpool. Local preachers came to hear a paper read by Mr D. J. Jones. The title of the paper was The Fact of Christ." Dis- cussion was upheld by ordained and local preach- ers. Not seeing anything to the contrary, I pre- sume the opinion of the meeting would be like that of Mr Jones, who, in conclusion, said: Christ is the Christ, the Saviour of the human race. It is only by preaching Christ that we shall but discharge our duty in this troublous and restless age." It may shock some of your readers; but candidly I am sick and weary of hearing about the silly old Fruit Tree origin of sin. Let us accept the coming of Christ as a fact; let us acknowledge the beauty of Christ's teach- ing but for pity's sake don't try to persuade the present generation that Christ came to save the world because somebody ages ago plucked fruit from a tree. If these are the lines upon which you intend to continue your preaching, then I am afraid the result will be failure. How can you delude yourselves into a belief that Christ's kingdom is extending ? Why is it that you as leaders and teachers in the Christian churches refuse to look facts squarely in the face, and acknowledge that you are losing ground all along the line ? Is it not true that it becomes more difficult every week to hold your congregations together? Is it not true that where there ought to be peace and harmony in the church, there are bitterness, jealousy, and discord ? Is it not true that you are often at your wits' end trying to devise some means of keeping the young in the churches from straying away P You have bazaars, harvest thanksgivings, anni- versaries, concerts, picnics, and yet with it all you are losing your grip on both young and old. What a position after 1900 years of preaching, and now your only hope is to continue the same old—Preach, preach, preach. A troubled and restless age to be preached into a state of perfect peace and contentment! Where An age where misery and wretched- ness can be seen on every hand. An age where millions are simply existing, and are daily tortured by the jpangs of hunger and want. These are the days when the very condi- tion under which we live, choke up the best within us, and only the weeds flourish and grow. Do you ever stop to think of the awful depths of misery to be found in our large cities ? There you will find beings whose nature is twisted and warped out of all semblance to the human, and only what is bestial and evil can be seen. You tell us that sin is the cause of it all, and that only through Christ can these creatures be saved. And so you preach! Oh! the helpless- ness of it all! I wonder how long this pitiful condition of things would last if it depended on the Christian church. But the work is being done; yea, and in spite of much opposition from the churches. I have heard it said that God could use even the powers of darkness to carry on his work. Perhaps that is the reason that men and women who care not for doctrines or oreeds, but who are inspired with a boundless faith in and love for humanity, have stepped in, and are doing work which shall stand when all your brick and mortar tabernacles are dissolved and crumbled into dust. A troubled and restless age!" Yea, the whole world is as a troubled and restless sea. Are you going to take no part in the stilling of the troubled waters? Is it to be always preaching without practice,-alwsys faith with- out works? The work is here waiting to be done, and no power, however mighty,—no obstacle, however great-can stay the yearning of the human heart, for the time when all bitterness and strife shall be done away, and when men shall dwell together in peace and happiness even here upon earth. Forden, October 11th. H.

————————— PONTROBERT. THANKSGIVING.-On Monday evening and all day Tuesday the Nonconformists held their thanksgiving services. The morning meeting was held at the Independent Chapel, the afternoon service at the Wesleyan Chapel, altd the evening meeting at the C.M. ChapeL All were well attended. RE-OPENING AND THANKSGIVING.-On Thursday the re-opening of the Parish Church after its restoration and thanksgiving took place. At the evening services the Rev William Morgan (Penfro), rector of Manafon, preached. Tea was provided in the school for all the congregation.

E. R. | 5th VOLUNTEER BATTALION THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS BY COLONEL E. PRYCE-JONES, Commanding Headquarters, Newtown, 19th October, 1907. GOOD CONDUCT MEDALS.-No.932 Sergt.-Major J. H. Heap ard No. 2068 Olr.-Sergt.-Inst. J. Hal- ford, Parmanent Staff, have been awarded the medal for long service and good conduct, Army Order No. 242, dated 1st October, 1907. F. GILLESPIE, Captain. Adjt 5th V.B. South Wales Borderers. COMPANY ORDERS. B COMPANY. DTTTIES.—N.C. Officers on duty for week ending 26th inst. :-Sergt. Lloyd and Corpl. Owen. Signed, C. E. EL WELL, Captain, Commanding B Company 5th V.B., S.WB. C COMPANY. A meeting will be held at the Armoury on Mon- day, 21st inst., at 8 30 p.m. Business: Annual Ball. All interested are requested to attend. (Signed) LENNOX NAPIER, Commanding C Co., 5th V.B., S.W.B.

WHAT WAS THE CAUSE? ONCE again we are mourning another of those terrible disasters which have darkened our railway annals with such startling frequency during recent years, and our increasing dread of railway travelling is not lessened by the thought that this horrifying catastrophe may have been caused by but a slight defect in the mechanism of an engine built to cleave through space at the rate of a mile a minute. This, as Mr LLOYD-GEORGE reminds us, is one of three similar accidents that have occurred during the last few years, with the same attendant characteristics—competent, capable engine drivers of certified character rushing madly at high speed in the face of signals on clear nights. Suoh harrowing events, indeed, form a great mystery," and it may be some measure of satisfaction to know from the PRESIDENT of the Board of Trade that exhaustive inquiry will be made by his Department, and eveiything done for the future safety and security of life. The question which must occupy the mind of everybody is, how did the acci- dent occur ? Unfortunately the engine driver and fireman are dead, and, perhaps, the secret will be buried with them. Both were men of trained experience and unimpeachable character; they knew every inch of the road from Crewe to Shrewsbury, and every signal on the way the night was clear of fog, and the guiding lights were distinctly observable. Yet this train, efficiently manned and built up, dashes past all signals set against it, and comes up to its destination and to destruction at the rate of sixty miles an hour. "I had "DO anxiety when at Crewe I saw MARTIN "take charge of the train," says one of the guards, in eloquent testimony to the skill and care of the driver. The train was eight minutes late in leaving Crewe, and some people may be prone to fix the criminal responsibility upon the driver under the assumption that he recklessly attempted to make up time. True it is that engine drivers-men whose capacity, character and courage rank them among the finest workers in the world-are often constrained through the stress of unforeseen delays to race with the time table, but the restraint upon recklessness comes of the knowledge that they are not only answerable to their employers for accident, but that they carry a grave responsibility to the public for which they might have to answer in the criminal dock. Had this train reached Shrewsbury in safety it would have made up only three of the eight minutes lost at Crewe. That fact disproves the idea of reckless going. But at Crewe Bank, which is a short distance outside Shrewsbury, the train appears to have travelled at a mile a minute, instead of at twenty miles an hour, and that) notwithstanding, the guard found the vacuum brake to have been applied at that point. In the words of the Crewe Bank signalman the train seemedj to^have run away. Subsequent examination of the engine showed that the regulator was shut and the brake handle in the "on" position. The guard scouts the idea that the {driver j mistook the signals through a miscalculation of his exact whereabouts, and when asked to explain his theory thatH the driver miscalculated the speed of his train the locomotive foreman failed to respond. It appeared to the PRESIDENT of the Board of Trade absurd to suggest that an ex- perienced driver could not distinguish that in passing Crewe Bank he was travelling at nearer 60 than 20 miles an hour. What, then, is the most reasonable guess- for only a guess it can be-at the cause of the catastrophe? Here, as we have already stated, was a skilled driver, familiar with the road, and all the regulating lights upon it, accustomed to be held up eutside Shrewsbury Station by shunting operations, and with the full knowledge that, even with a clear line, to finish his journey at a rate of sixty miles an hour meant disaster and death. One can imagine that had the driver been suddenly stricken down at his post of duty, the fireman would have come to the rescue. That notion, however, is dismissed by the fact that the brake was found to have been applied. But, did it act ? That question directs an inquiry which may solve the mystery. The engine was one of a new class, and had been recently overhauled. The guard states that there was no need to apply the brakes between Crewe and Shrewsbury. Is it not possible that upon the journey the brake became defective, and failed to act at the critical moment ? Nothing, we think, is a more likely explanation of the calamity.

Surprising. NONCONFORMISTS will read with some astonishment the recommendation of the County Education Executive Committee to expend upwards of R20 upon the, furnishing of Llanwrin Church of England School whilst yet the trustees have not carried out the stipulated improvements essential to the efficiency of the school. These include a supply of drinking and washing water, and lavatories, separate cloak rooms for boys, girls, and infants, dry earth closets instead of the present middens, and a new stove for heating purposes. Provided the two last named requirements are fulfilled, the Execu- tive recommended the furnishing of the school at the ratepayers expense. Mr RICHARD PHILLIPS very promptly and properly seized upon this surprising departure, and had little difficulty in carrying the majority of the Committee with him. Mr R. E. JONES' suggestion that the children should not be punished by reason of the managers' remiss- ness is clearly beside the point, and no one knows this better than he. The Education Act .requires the managers to make their school structurally and otherwise efficient as a condition of its recognition by the local authority, and if they fail in this the suffer- ings of the children must be laid at their door. Are we to believe there is a weaken- ing influence at work among Nonconformist leaders on the Education Authority that they should approve a recommendation not only inconsistent with the policy of revolt, but unauthorised by the Act itself? It is, at any rate, assuring to know that the Noncon- formist rank and file are still staunch.

I Welshpool Golf. ONE cannot well smother a feeling of annoyance with the obtuseness of certain members of the Welshpool Corporation towards the realization of the local golf project. What could be more reasonable than the desire of the Golf Committee to have the option of renewing their lease of the Red Bank property at the end of the seven years for which it has been allotted to them. The preparation of ground for the purpose of golfing, its maintenance, and the erection of the necessary buildings, represent the expenditure of a considerable amount of money, and every reasonable minded person recognises the fairness of securing the pro- moters against whimsical disturbance by at least granting them the option of continuing the lease. But the authors of the old opposi- tion have for the moment prevailed to the extent of relegating the question to the new Council. Let us hope the new Council will summarily and completely scatter the last obstructions placed in the way of accom- plishing an object fraught with substantial blessings to the community.

SEEN AND HEARD. Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice. SHAKSSPXASE. He was only a tramp, a pitiful, tipsy, ragged tramp, the butt of a jeering crowd of pestiferous urchins, who found delight in tormenting his tortuous efforts to gain the Newtown lodging house. At length, he turned upon them the scornful exclamation, "There is education for you!" Even the utterance of a common vagrant is pregnant with wisdom. In his words there is food for reflection. Education has not eradicated the tendency to taunt the "bottom dog." After all, the world is seemingly as far away as ever from the realization of the poetic prophecy. My imagination, as well as my pity, is always excited by the sight of the tramp. That ragged coat is the emblem of life's tragedies, and did we but reflect upon the sorrows, the disappointments, the misfortunes, and the hundred and one other causes of man's fall, the poor, wayside waif, once, perhaps, the fond hope of a loving mother or sister, would seem less abhorrent in our eye. The time was when the approach of Novem- ber inspired the divine afflatus in the breasts of local laureates, from whose pens tripped forth election squibs, cruel and cutting, kind and laudatory. These were the days when a seat in the local senate was regarded as the high prize of citizen- ship, when the spouse of a municipal dig- natory carried herself as proudly as the best titled lady in the land, and decked out her olive branches with befitting dis- tinction. Ah, how we have degenerated since then. When November arrives, one councillor goeth, and another cometh, with- out sigh of remorse, or token of joy. Fre- quently no change is effected at all, and election day claims less interest than an auction sale. No ratepayers attend the deliberations of the Council, and the flood of oratory which sometimes sweeps the table in tete-a-tete discussions, is, therefore, un- trammelled and unrecorded. The mayoralty goes a-begging, and the big man turns up his nose at the very offer of a once coveted position, long since despoiled by a race of small men. 0, tempora, 0, Mores! While puffing their last pipe by the door- step, late the other evening, some of the douce elders of the "Ancient City" were startled to behold the reflection of mysterious lights flitting hither and thither to the south of the Severn. "Shades of Mary Jones!" they exclaimed in their wonder- ment, and one old dame declared that "sure enough, them be the holy lights." For hours, yea, well unto daybreak, these weird illuminations were visible, and restive souls were early astir that morning in quest of an explanation of the phenomena. And what a prosaic explanation was forthcoming. Two grocer chiels, who had wheeled from Newtown, in the dusky hours of the evening, to interview their fair charmers, had lost their bikes, at the instance of some wag or jealous rival, and the lights which troubled the citizens" were simply those of divers lanterns commandeered for the search. 'Twas not till dawn that the missing steeds were recovered, in a field some distance off, and it is said that the counter jumpers have since changed the venue of their connubial flirtations, much to the sorrow of the damsels. I should like to see Press correspondents import a little more originality into their con- tributions. One tires reading of the preacher who "delivered powerful and impressive sermons," of the lady who efficiently presided at the piano," of the bride who looked charming as she entered on the arm of her father," and received presents numerous and costly," of crowded congregations," of some- body who sang or played with his usual ability," of postprandial eloquence "after the cloth had been removed," of some person who has died and left a family of so many children "to mourn his loss," as if they wouldn't naturally mourn, and who was much esteemed and respected." Correspondents ought to have a care for the life of a com- positor who, however, rejoices that the blue pencil stands between him and these hoary, hackneyed vapidities. Two farmers met on their way to B Parish Church last Sunday, and in the course of the journey came alongside a meadow belonging to one of them. They halted for a look at the five score sheep peacefully browsing thereon. "Well, John," said Thomas, "what will you be asking for them?" "Oh, they won't be too dear to you at 30s. a head," answered the owner. "Then I'll have 'em," said Thomas, "but, good lor', man, I say, I feel summat surprised at your doin' business on the Sabbath." "Business," exclaimed John, "selling sheep like them for thirty shillings a head is no business at all, man; it's real charity, that's what it is." The Church bells of Berriew did not ring in celebration of the Squire of Glansevern's wedding because the ceremonial took place outside a Church. At which a Tory con- temporary is righteously wrath, and whips the Vicar right heartily. His Reverence takes shelter behind the rule of Church bells for Church weddings," and from The Cottage" at Welshpool some outraged Churchman fires a nasty charge of shrapnel at the head of the disloyal editor, who, however, responds with withering effect. Altogether there is a nice row in the ecclesiastical household, and I imagine that by this time the Vicar regrets an action which must have given offence to the people of Berriew, who owe so much to the house of Glansevern, and which tends to accentuate the denominational differences in his parish. The home coming reception of the young Squire and his bnide will furnish the best answer to this regrettable incident. In his aspiration to the representation of the Castle Ward at Welshpool Mr Richard Jenkins assures the "working men and women" that no hobby, fad, or crochet," "creed or party," influence his desire for a seat in the senate. Then why does he declare himself a "Conservative" candidate? Is it because Toryism is the royal road to exaltation in Pool, and that the slightest suspioion of Radical sympathies would dis- honour the traditional creed of the Castle Ward ? LUKE SHARPE.

Country correspondents who habitually implore a kindly editorial exercise of the blue pencil upon their contributions are once more reminded that the earlier they despatch their items of news the more likely they are to curry favour. Reports of meetings a week old make a poor claim for preference when the decks are being cleared for action at high twelve. This week a number of belated pars came to hand, and correspondents who see in print but a remnant of their labours may easily divine the why and the wherefore.

LLANMEREWIG. DOLFORWTN CHURCH.—Harvest festival ser- vices were held in this Church on Friday week. The service was taken by the Rector, (Rev Dr. Gibbings), the lesson read by the Revs R. D. Hughes (Newtown), and Rev W. Gwynne Vaughan (Bettws), and a most seasonable sermon preached by the Rev John Abel (Llanllwchaiarn). The services were continued on Sunday, when appropriate sermons were preached by the Rev John Williams, Brooks, Berriew. Mr E. B. Williams presided at the organ at all the services, which were largely attended. A set of three new central draft lamps of 84 candle-power each, were used for the first time, and added greatly to the lighting ancJ appearance of the Church.

THE ASSIZES, SECOND DAY. [Continued from Page 7.] The Charge at Churchstoke continued. On Friday morning at 10.30, the Ruthin Assize Court resumed its sitting, when the case of William Evans was continued. The defence opened by the defendant going into the box, and giving evidence. William Evans, the defendant, said Annie Richards came into his service in May. During her service she left for a week, she went because she said her mistress had beaten her. At 6-30, on the night in question, he went to feed his 26 pigs, and when in the back-kitchen after water Annie Richards threw water in his face, again when he visited the back-kitchen she did the same again, and he threatened to hit her with a mundle, a third time she threw water on him, he lifted the mundle and she stepped back and sat on the settle, he held her on the settle and she com- menced to cry. He dragged her towards the door and pushed her outside and shut the door. The girl and his children went to look for a missing turkey, the children returned in half-an-hour, and the girl in an hour, when she returned they had had their supper. While sho was having supper, he had seen a note in her hand and asked her what it was, she said it was a small piece of paper which Robert gave me. On Monday he was work- ing in the fields, and at dinner time his little boy came to fetch him homa, when he heard the charge and denied it. It was on Tuesday that the girl went to the police. Cross-examined by Mr Trevor Lloyd: It was not a frequent occurrence to have a rough and l tumble fight with the girl, it was the first time it had ever happened. She threw the water over him without any reason at all, she was always throwiig water on Robert Pryce, he could not give any reason for her doing so. She had kicked the bucket until the water flew into his face. He did not allow this with his servant as a rule. Some of the pig's meal splashed on to his waist- coat. He went and held her on the settle because he was angry with her. He held her down by her clothes. She complained to his wife first. When his wife returned on the Sunday he was in the kitchen reading the Bible. He had not had a quarrel with his wife on the Tuesday, though they had had a word or two. He did not know who had sent for the police. On the Tuesday she again asked him if there was any truth in it. He had not hit his wife. When the policeman came she did not complain to the policeman of what he had done to her. On the Wednesday he was arrested by the policeman. He would not say that the girl was virtuous, as there was plenty of talk about her. There was talk about her soon after sho entered his service. Although there was plenty of talk about her he had never seen anything wrong with her. John Shuker, a justice of the peace for Mont- gomery county, said that prisoner was his nearest neighbour. Prisoner was considered an honost, industrious, and upright man all round, and added If I might say it, there is a great deal of sympathy felt for him all round." Mr Jones, of the Pentre, Churchstoke, also gave testimony of character. Mr Trevor Lloyd, in addressing the jury, said he would ask them to look very carefully into the evidence. He asked them not to make too much of the girl not being able to raise her voice, a more trying ordeal there could not possibly be. Therefore, it was only natural that she could not speak out. He submitted that as far as there was corroboration, there was corroboration there. It was never suggested that this girl had guilty relations with any particular person. The girl had been a thoroughly truthful witness. Corrobo- ration came from the prisoner himself. A material witness to corroborate the prisoner would have been Mrs Evans, but his learned friend had, for some reason best known to himself, not called her. After he held the girl down on the settle he sort of sped the parting guest through the door, presumably with his foot. The prisoner's story was a mere cock and bull story. Mr Ellis Griffith said he wished to point out the gravity of the case. The law required corrobora- tion. There was not one tittle of evidence to give corroboration. It was for the prosecution to satisfy them. He did not see how Mrs Evans could throw any light on the occurrences of that Sunday night. It was a remarkable circumstance that the girl never screamed, or at least there was no suggestion until late in the case, and never took an opportunity of telling her mistress or any friend, or told the police until after her quarrel with Mrs Evans. If they acted on uncorroborated evidence no man in the country would be safe. His Lordship said prisoner was indicted for rape. Two points had to be established to their satisfaction. The second was the more important —was there consent? The prisoner was described by one witness as a most honest man; by another as a well disposed man, but he was afraid that the girl did not come before them with such a good character. He thought it was fair to the prisoner to say this. It was necessary to scruti- nize her story closely to see whether they could safely rely upon it. The law was clear that the prosecution had to carry conviction to their minds that the man was guilty. If there was any doubt about it at all they ought to come to the conclu- sion that the prisoner was not guilty. He would have liked to have had some evidence of resist- ance. According to her story there was a certain amount of struggling. Apparently of her own choice the girl went off to find a missing turkey, and there were no marks upon her. The prosecu- tion had to satisfy them of the prisoner's guilt. It must be clear that the girl not merely did not give consent, but also dissented. If there was any real doubt on their minds it was their duty to find him not guilty. The jury did not at first go into their retiring room, but after a time thought better and retired. After eighteen minutes consideration they re- turned with a verdict of Not guilty." The Blackmailer's Sentence. Joseph Martindale Peart appeared on Friday morning to face his judgment. He had lost all semblance of calmness, and trembled in the box whilst his Lordship delivered sentence. "Joseph Martindale Peart," said the Judge, "the jury have found you guilty of the very serious crime of demanding money by menaces and threats without reasonable or probable cause. I can find no sort of excuse for what von Viovia done, and were it not for two facts I should have passed a much heavier sentence on you than I am about to do. Those facts are that in the first place Mr Roberts, the Wesleyan minister, has, through the Counsel for the Crown, requested me to deal leniently with you. The second fact is that you have promised me for .the future to abstain from molesting Mr Roberts, and then, again, you have expressed contrition for having done what for many years you have done- attacked an old friend over and over again. But when I have said that, the crime is far too serious for me to pass over without a somewhat severe sentence. You will receive a six months sentence with hard labour." Llandinam Indecent Assault Charge. Robert Evans appeared to answer a charge of indecent assault upon Harriet Cissie Weaver at Llandinam on July 20th. Mr Owen Roberts (instructed by Mr LlewAlvn Phillips, Llanidloes) appeared to conduct the prosecution, and Mr Ellis J. Griffith (instructed by Richard E. George, Newtown) defended. Counsel, in opening, said that on the 20th of July, in consequence of an arrangement between the little girl's mother and prisoner, the little girl went to defendant's howe. According to the evidence he would place before them, the prisoner helped the little girl to gather gooseberries in the garden. The little girl refused to go in the house with prisoner. As she refused to go prisoner seized her arm and dragged her into the house, threw her down, and committed the alleged assault. To stop the little girl crying he offered her sixpence, which she refused, but he afterwards placed the sixpence in her basket. When she returned she told her mother, who gave informa- tion to the police and the doctor. Harriet Cissie Weaver substantiated in exami- nation the Counsel's opening statement. Cross-examined: The prisoner had formerly behaved properly to her. When she walked up the hill she was going further from home. She was ten minutes to a quarter of an hour in the house, and was screaming all the time. She took half an hour to walk home. When she arrived home her mother did not notice anything until she told her. Mary Weaver, mother of the last witness, gave corroborative evidence. When she returned home on the day in question she noticed that she was hot and excited. Five minutes afterwards she said what had happened. She then sent for Mrs Jones, Caetwp, and told her also what had happened. Her daughter was 13 years of age last February. P.C. Hamer and P.C. Parry gave corroborative evidence, and gave statements which they averred had been made by prisoner subsequent to his arrest. For the defence, prisoner was put in the box and, in examination, said that he had done nothing more than put his arm round the girl. Cross-examined by Mr Owen Roberts, prisoner said that the prosecutrix had invented "this wicked thing against him, because he believed she was trying to get some money out of him, and that some of her relatives were anxious to get his job as a roadman from him. Both of the police witnesses had also, he believed, invented the story against him, because they were more in favour with the other side." He denied altogether the allegation made against him. Re-examined: He had been told by different farmers about him that the relatives of the prosecutrix were anxious to take away his character. John Thomas, surveyor and sanitary inspector to the Newtown and Llanidloes Rural District Council, gave evidence as to the prisoner's character. His Lordship, in summing up, said that some- times young girls trumped up these charges, but a charge of this nature, once made, was not an easy one to meet, and required to be scrutinized by them very carefully. He wanted them to remember how the various witnesses impressed them, whether they were honest and straightfor- ward, and only desirous of telling the truth. He was not personally very much inclined to rely upon professionals, for when a prisoner was charged they are in a hurry to say something which may not be the whole truth, theref ra he preferred to rely on real evidence. The question was whether the police officer or the prisoner was telling the truth. As regards the statement made by Hamer, he did not see any act of indecency in it. The first statement to Hamer did not amount to much. He was not going to advance any opinion about it, but the learned counsel for the defence said it was almost impossible for that entry to have been made in the train, on account of the oscillation on the railway. If such was the case, then it would discount something of what P.C. Parry said. The girl made an apparently straightforward statement, which was, in some measure, helped by what was said by the police officers. The jury returned a verdict of guilty." Mr Ellis Griffith asked his Lordship if he might call attention to the man's hitherto good char- acter and his three children. His Lordship: The jury have found you guilty of a very wicked act. I sentence you to fifteen months' imprisonment, with hard labour. The Belle Vue Perjury Case. "In that they, on the 29th of August, 1907, at the Borough of Llanidloes, unlawfully, falsely, wickedly and corruptly did commit wilful and corrupt perjury in their evidence before the Court of summary jurisdiction at the hearing of, and certain information wherein William Robert Williams was complainant, and Thomas Swancott and William Jones, defendants," was the wording of the indictment filed against John Ashton Smith and Elizabeth Jones. This, as will be re- membered, is the sequel to the famous Belle Vue (Trefeglwys) case for selling intoxicants on licensed premises. Mr Arthur Davies, Llanidloes (for the prosecu- tion) instructed Mr Trevor Lloyd, whilst Mr Ellis J. Griffith was instructed for the defence by Mr Martin Woosnam, Newtown. The charge against Smith was first taken. Mr Trevor Lloyd said the case before them was one of perjury at Llanidloes. The hearing was in respect of a summons against the licensee of the Belle Vue Inn for keeping open within prohibited hours, and a young man named Swancott was summoned for being unlawfully on the premises. The question was whether he was there unlaw- fully or as a lodger. If he was there as a lodger the licensee and Swancott committed no offence. When the summons came on Smith was called as a witness on his behalf and he made the following statement I slept with defendant in the double room at the Belle Vue Inn on 25th July. Mr Morrell came there later on; he was in the other bed when I got up." Later on he said, I slept with defendant (Swancott) in the double bedded room at the Belle Vue Inn." I maintain that this was a false statement, and shall be able to prove to you that this man Swancott was not a lodger at all, he was there unlawfully, but he himself swore he was a lodger. Counsel proceeded to discuss the various rooms in the Inn. He produced plans. On the first floor there was one room occupied by Mrs Morrell, and another double bedded room. There were really three bedrooms on that floor. The witnesses would say how these rooms were occupied. Mrs Morrell slept in one room, the double bedded room was, according to prisoner, slept in by him and Swancott. In the double-bedded room the children slept in onu bed, while Morrell occupied the other. He would prove that neither Smith nor Swancott slept in a bed there that night. Morrell was a man who had been convicted of some offences, but had no object in telling what was untrue. He would tell them the truth that day, which would be corroborated, that neither Swancott nor Smith slept in the rooms at all. The question is did Smith lie to the justices? Swancott never went upstairs at all, but stopped down until 4-40 in the morning, when Swancott was let out by the landlady and was observed by the police constable. It was their duty to stop that kind of thing. John Davies, solicitor, Llanidloes, and clerk to the justices, swore to the truth of the information and summons laid against Swancott. The license was in the name of William Jones. He was present during the whole of the hearing. He remembered the defendant Smith being in the box. Cross-examined: Two assignments of perjury had been read, the first assignment came out in Swancott's case and the second in Jones's case. Mr Ellis Griffith contended that no information had been produced in either case. His Lordship: Quite so; no sworn information. Witness (continuing) He was not quite cer- tain, but he believed that at the trial the witnesses were out of court. P.C. Thomas Parry said he was present at the hearing of the licensing case. On the nie-ht of July 25th he was on duty at the back of the inn. He saw Thomas Swancott in the yard by the back door. He returned at 12.30 a.m. and heard loud talking in the Belle Vue. He recognised the voice of Thomas Swancott asking John Smith to have one more. glass. Jack, will you have one glass before you go ? He heard a person coming towards the back place where they kept the beer- he heard a sound like beer running into a vessel^ also the sound of glasses coming from the kitchen! He heard them talking till two o'clock-Swancott, Smith, and a woman-when he heard someone stumbling upstairs. About ten minutes after he heard more talking and laughing downstairs. About 2-30 he recognised Swancott's voice. Mr Ellis Griffith: You didn't recognise the stumble of Smith upstairs ? Witness: No, I didn't (laughter). Continuing, witness heard Swancott shouting out "Lizzie." This was the landlady. About 4-40 a.m., he saw Swancott and the landlady come out through the back door. They kissed one another, and Swancott left them. Swancott climbed over the DacK wall leading to the vicarage field. When on the wall witness accosted him. He went back to the landlady, while Swancott stopped on the -wall; the landlady then called him in to defend himself. Smith was fetched downstairs. He asked Smith whether he was downstairs when Swancott left. Smith replied, "I haven't seen him since I went to bed." The landlady told Smith to tell me that he let Swancott out. Smith did not know what he was there for. Nothing was said that night about Smith and Swancott having slept together that night. Mrs Jones was fully dressed. Mr Ellis Griffith: Well, I don't know about that. Witness: Well, she had a skirt and blouse on (laughter). Cross-examined: Mrs Jones in his presence had told Smith to say that he let Swancott out. From 12 to 4-40 he was practically glued to the door. It was the door in the back yard where he was. He made no notes that night, though he had a pocket book. He did not make notes because he could remember what was going on. His first visit to the back was at ten o'clook; there he saw Swancott. He was as near the door as he could go. He made a written report to the superintendent three or four days after. He had said that day that he recognised Swancott's voice calling Lizzie he had not said that at T-kivfl-