The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

The Lazy Women of Cemmes. In Cemmes, as in other villages, says Sanitary Inpector Williams, there are some housewives who require to learn the first principles of tidiness and cleanness. This reproachful reference is to women who, too lazy to carry their ashes to pits specially provided, throw them indiscrimin- ately upon public places. We are not with- out sympathy for owners of house property troubled by tenants whose laziness and de- liberate negligence would ruin the best con- ceivable sanitary systems. Old and dilapi- dated dwellings are certainly not conducive to ideal housewifery, but according to what we learn from sanitary officials, the worst offenders are not the occupants of the poor- est class of property. To the lazy woman the house drain is a convenient stoke hole for all manner of domestic refuse, and blockage is, of course, the inevitable result. The women of Cemmes may not be so offen- sively lazy as some of their sisters in towns, but this report casts an ugly reflection upon their sen of decency. Much more serious, however, is the inspector's complaint of con- taminated water at Gwastadgoed, where the kitchen drain of a neighbouring hotel dis- charges its contents into the supply. A resolution to prosecute for non-compliance with the order to remedy this dangerous nuisance shows that the patience, if not indifference, of even Machynlleth rural sanitary authority has a limit.

The Cambrian Railways. Although the net decrease in the receipts of the Cambrian Railways for the last half- year is not so serious as was anticipated by the directors, we note with regret that the carriage of minerals represents a les- sened income by £ 1,226. Passenger, parcel, merchandise, and live stock traffic has im- proved to the extent of £600, and this, to- gether with an increase in miscellaneous receipts, sets off £ 699 against the loss on minerals. The directors point out that the passenger receipts would have been much greater but for the bursting of a water- spout in Montgomeryshire, which washed away one of the bridges on the main line, and seriously damaging another caused considerable dislocation of holiday traffic. The decreased mineral receipts is attributa- ble to the general depression." On the other hand, a saving of E2,188 has been effected on maintenance of the permanent way and works, the greater portion of which, however, has gone to enhancing the value of the rolling stock. The expenditure shows a net decrease of £399. With regard to the future the following observations are contained in the directors report, which will be presented to the half-yearly meeting of the shareholders to-day:— The Bill which the directors ob- tained special permission to introduce in Parliament this session to authorise the Company to raise Y-150,000 'A' and 9150,000 B' Debentures, ranking pari passu with the existing similar de- bentures, has received the Royal assent. The directors propose to .ask the share- holders to authorise them to issue the new stock as soon as a favourable op- portunity occurs. The balance of the net revenue for the past half-year will enable the Company to pay the full in- terest on the A and B Debentures, and at the rate of 2 per cent. per annum on the C Debentures, the balance of the latter being carried forward. The scheme of arrangement enrolled 14th July, 1885, provides 'that 'B' Deben- ture Stock shall be entitled to interest only out of the profits of each year.' Since 1902, however, the interest has been paid half-yearly, but the directors propose to revert to the previous ar- rangement, and to await the result of the current half-year's working before dealing with it. The directors would call attention to the fact that this is the light half-year, and they hope that the profits of the current half-year will enable them to pay the balance of in- terest on the 'C Debentures, and also a dividend on the D' Debentures."

What the Farmer. is Losing. We have just received from the Board of Agriculture a series of statistics showing the amount of agricultural produce im- ported into the United Kingdom during the last year, and estimating its value at about £ 100,000,000. This produce includes only cattle, sheep, beef, mutton, pork, poultry, eggs and butter. No fewer than 4.210 256 J- cwts. of butter came from abroad, 2,372,233 cwts. of cheese, 7,320,223 cwts. of fresh and salted pork, and—the figures are over- whelming—2,228,148,000 of eggs. Yet the average home farmer looks upon the pro- ducts of the dairy and the hen run as of sufficient importance only for the atten- tions of womankind. In Russia, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, and France, whence we import these commodities, the farmer re- gards the dairy as the most valuable part of his holding, because he has skilfully ex- ploited its resources, and finds a great and profitable market for the disposal of su- perior articles. It is not through a 5 per cent, tariff on foreign grain and a 10 per cent. tax on foreign-made implements of husbandry that the British farmer can hope to cope with his over-sea rival in the home market. That hope lies in educated and progressive methods. When under Protec- tion wheat was selling at 70s per quarter, farmers were much worse off than they are now. They will be none better than they are now until they cultivate the utmost pos- sibilities of the land after the fashion of agricultural countries whose prosperity knows naught of those conservative methods to which the older generation of British farmers stick with a deep-rooted prejudice.

I Small Holdings. As in Montgomeryshire, much dissatis- faction is felt almost everywhere with the tardy work of County Councils relative to the provision of small holdings. Up to the present, 21,000 applications have been made I for land amounting to 300,000 acres, but so far only 4,000 acres are acquired. Conse- quent upon this widespread dissatisfaction, I and with the view of facilitating the opera- tion of the Act, Lord Carrington has sum- moned a conference of County Council re- presentatives for the House of Lords early in October. Notices to this effect have been issued, and his Lordship suggests that the chairman of each Council and each Small Holdings Committee, together with their clerks, should attend to discuss generally the working of the Act, and the best methods of securing uniform action.

E. R. 7TH MOSTGOMEKY AXD MERIONETH BATTALION ROY AS. WELSH FUSILIERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS BY MAJOR SIR W. L. NAPIBR, BART, Commanding Headquarters, Newtown, 29th August, 1908. RIFLE COMPETITION—The following are the results of the competition held on Saturday, 22nd August, 1908. for the Silver Challenge Cup, pre- sented by W. E. Pryce-Jones, Esq., and £ 1 Sergt. Bluet, C Company, 125; Corpl W. Owen, C Company, 122 Corpl J. M. Jones, F Company, 121; Sergt T. Hughes, D Company, 121; Sergt F. Anderson, C Company, 120; Pte Joa. Jones, D Company, 119; Sergt R. Blair, C Company, 117 Bandmaster W. P. Phillips, 117; Lance.Sergt J. F. Edwards, F Company, 116; Corpl W J Owen, B Company, 108; Sergt E. Jones, B Company, 111. A. T, C. RUNDLE, Captain. Adjutant 7th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. COMPANY ORDERS. B COMPANY. MUSKETRY.—All members having not completed their musketry are requested to do so asearly as ARMS.—All members having rifles and bayonets at their homes are requested to return them to the Armoury at once. (Signed) C. E. ELWELL, Captain, Commanding B Coy., 7ch Batt., R.W. Fusiliers. C COMPANY. ANNUAL RIFLE MEETING.—A meeting will be beld at the Irmoury on Wednesday, at 8-30 p.m. (Signed) W. J. CORBETT-WINDER, Capt., Commanding C Co., 7th R.W.F.

postal address for one year for the sum of 6s. 6d. (prepaid), or by quarterly payments of Is. 9d.—Address The MANAGER, EXPRESS Office, Newtown.

Interesting to Dog Owners. It has been pleaded more than once be- fore Montgomeryshire magistrates that un- der the new Dog Act, which requires every dog to have a collar bearing its owner's name, the injunction cannot be enforced until the animal emerges from its puppy- hood after six months of age. Since our ma- gistrates have not, however, accepted that plea, it is interesting to note a decision given in Lincolnshire on Thursday on the same point. Is a puppy a dog within the meaning of the Act ? was the ques- tion advanced by the defending solicitor, who contended to the contrary. The Bench adopted his view, and dismissed the case. It will be necessary to obtain a decisive interpretation of this moot point from a higher court.

Last of the Bicton Asylum. The communication received by Forden Board of Guardians from the Home Secre- tary requesting the estimated cost of adapt- ing their workhouse for the reception of 120 lunatic patients, may be regarded as the last word we are likely to hear with regard to the proposed extension of Bicton Asylum. The moment Mr Gladstone arrested the de- velopment of that scheme, we felt certain of its ultimate abandonment, in view of the forthcoming recommendations of the Royal Commission. It was a scheme which crumpled up under controverial examina- tion, and the thanks of Montgomeryshire ratepayers are due to Colonel Pryce-Jones, Mr Richard Lloyd, and the Borough Mem- ber for the untiring opposition they offered to it. Instead of being reconstructed to accommodate only 120 patients, we should have preferred to see Forden Workhouse converted entirely into a supplemental asylum, a project which would have carried with it an amalgamation of Unions, and a consequent saving of much unnecessary expense in our local poor-law administra- ion. This, we hope, will come about by and by.

An Explanation. There is some plausible reasoning in the explanation given by the Chief Constable why the police withdrew their objection to the Welshpool Show license, but there yet remains "a peculiar position" not at all satisfactory to those who are disposed to probe deeper. The Chief reports that he consulted with his superintendent, who, he says, agreed to waive the objection if the duration of the license were restricted from two till eight o'clock, instead of from one till nine. But at the first sitting of the Bench. the superintendent objected in the belief that the license was not wanted, and was, therefore, unnecessary, and the magis- trates deferred to that view. This "pecu- liar position," which reflects alike upon the Bench and the police, is not explained away by those comparisons which the Chief Con- stable makes by way of attempting to illus- trate the unfairness of refusing this par- ticular application. The magistrates were supposed to have considered the application on its merits, irrespective of what the Friendly Societies stood to lose or gain by their decision, and the specific objections I of the police were such as should not have been effected by regard for mere financial interests. It is important to note that the Chief Constable accepts the entire respon- sibility for a proceeding as ridiculous as it is strange.

Another Motor Prosecution at Llanidloes. Percy Richard Bellamy, of Crumpsall, Manchester, who drove the car which re- cently killE; a Llanidloes young lady on the Llangurig-road, appeared Is defendant at Llanidloes County Sessions on Thursday, I charged by Supt. W. R. Williams with driving a motor car recklessly and at a July 5thng8r0US t0 the public on Sunday, The superintendent conducted the prose- cution, and defendant was represented by Mr Rowcliffe, solicitor to the Automobile Club. Mr Edward Davies presided on the Bench, and was supported by Mr Richard George, Colonel Davies-Jenkins, Messrs W. Ashton, J. R. Morris, and N. Bennett Owen. Evidence for the prosecution was given by Mrs Williams, Mid-Wales House, Mr Ellis Ellis, Glandwr Villas, and Mrs Sarah E. Benbow, Smithfield-street, who all de- posed as to the excessive and dangerous speed of the car. Mr Rowcliffe stated that Mr Bellamy and his two sisters, with Mr Colt, were touring in the car, and had no need to rush from one place to another. Besides, Mr Bellamy was a driver of considerable experience, and had for several years been connected with the motor business, which enabled him to drive skilfully. All the evidence neces- sary in this case had been produced before the coroner at the inquest, when the de- f end ant was acquitted and exonerated from fil i police, however, had thought proper, after hearing talk in the town, to issue summonses, which brought the defendant there that day. Not one of the witnesses could swear to the car or its occupants. With regard to the legal points; Mr Rowcliffe referred the Bench to the ap- P.ea\ casf ^ex v- Wells, which was de- cided before Lord Alverstone on May 17th, 1904. It was a case in which the man was summoned for driving to the danger of the public and at too great a speed. Lord Al- verstone held that the conviction was bad because of duplicity, there being two separ- ate charges contained in the summons. On the finding of that case he asked the Bench to dismiss the summons. The Chairman (to the Deputy Chief Con- stable): Will you withdraw one of the charges ? The Deputy Chief Constable: I have only one charge. The magistrates retired to consider the case. Upon returning, Mr Rowcliffe, addressing the Bench, said that before the decision was given, he wished to ask their ruling upon certain points. One was, Does the sum- mons charge the defendant with reckless- ness or speed ?" The Clerk: The summons speaks for it- self. The Chairman (in answer to Mr Row- cliffe): Yes, both. The second point asked by Mr Rowcliffe was, Under the circumstances, and in view of the case quoted, is the defendant entitled to a dismissal of the summons?" The Chairman: Yes, the magistrates sustain your objections. Mr Rowcliffe asked that he should be al- lowed costs. The Deputy Chief Constable: I strongly object to that. The Chairman: The magistrates do not see that there was no necessity for the sum- mons, and therefore do not allow costs. The Deputy Chief Constable stated that he would issue another summons against the defendant

MACHYNLLETH SCHOOL GOVERNORS. Mr J. M. Breeze presided at the Machyn- lleth County School Governors on Friday, and there were also present Dr Williams, Messrs R. Rees, T. R. Morgan, and T. Parsons, together with the Clerk (Mr John Rowlands) and Head Master (Mr H. H. Meyler). SCHOLARSHIPS. The Governors had before them the dis- posal of certain scholarships that had not been taken up. At the outset, the receipt of three letters from Mr J. D. Rees, M.P., in respect to his scholarship was reported, and, at the request of the Clerk, who said the matter was a personal one to Mr Rees, the letters were dealt with in committee. It was resolved that scholarships should be given to D. Lewis and A. Holt, and the half scholarship given by old pupils to Mary Lizzie Jones. DUAL INSPECTION. A letter was read from the Portmadoc County School Governors asking the Gov- ernors to adopt a resolution in which strong representation was made to the Board of Education and the Central Welsh Board to do away with the dual inspection of the schools. The Head Master said these dual inspec- tions gave them a good deal of trouble, and it sometimes happened that an inspector would attend a week after another one, and would give contradictory orders. Mr Parsons proposed, and Mr R. Rees seconded, that the resolution be adopted, and this was agreed to. THE SCHOOL STAFF. The report of a subsidiary inspection made on May 8th by an inspector of the Central Welsh Board was sent in by Mr Owen Owen. The report stated that an ad- ditional teacher was urgently needed; in fact, two additional teachers would be re- quired if the work of the school was to be carried on without undue strain. AUDITING OF ACCOUNTS. Mr G. D. Harrison wrote in reply to a letter of enquiry that under a resolution of the County Council the. school accounts should be audited by a chartered account- ant. The Clerk reported that applications for the post had been received from Mr John Evans, Welshpool, and Mr Ernest Morgan, Newtown. He added that the usual fee was F,2 2s. Mr T. R. Morgan proposed that they ap- point Mr J. Evans, who was a properly qualified person. Mr Parsons opposed this on the ground that there were capable men in the town, and he objected to the county auditor also being the auditor for each school. It was agreed to defer the matter for the time being, and Mr R. Rees was asked to interview Mr Harrison upon the subject. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION. Mr D. M. Owen, in his report on the work of the carpenter's shop, said Mr Owen Owen and his chief assistant had visited the shop, and expressed themselves very pleased with the work done. Mr Meyler reported to the Governors on the views expressed by the Central Welsh Board representatives as to the class of work done in the shop, and pointed out that the principal point they had in view was the training of the eye and hand to greater accuracy, not so much the teaching of join- ery as commonly understood. He hoped when the new master was appointed to be able to spare Mr Jones, who had had a course of training in the Soyd system in Sweden, to help Mr Owen in the direction indicated.

Saved the County 9600. Under Section 1. of the Police Act, 1906, Inspector Tanner, Newtown, who is 60 years of age, and has been in the county police force for 40 years, applied by letter to the Standing Joint Committee on Friday, through the Chief Contable, for Y.20 per an- num unpensionable extra pay. The Chief Constable explained that the inspector's pension was due 14 years ago, but he had continued working, and the county had thus benefited to the extent of about Y-600. He now asked for extra pay under the new Act, which encouraged police officers to remain in the force in- stead of retiring on pensions, so long as they could produce satisfactory medical certificates. The Chairman: Supposing the inspector retired, he would be entitled to a pension equal to two-thirds of his salary, reckoned on the average for the last three years, and you would have to appoint another man to do his work. Mr Newell asked whether there were any Mr Newell asked whether there were any other officers in the county similarly sit- uated. The Chief Constable: I don't know that there is another man in the county. Mr Richard Jones: Suppose you grant him E20 more, will his pension be based on the additional salary ? The Clerk: Oh, no. Mr Newell thought before dealing with one particular case, the matter should be gone into wholesale, and he proposed a resolution to that effect. Mr Hugh Lewis moved as an amendment that the application of Inspector Tanner be granted, but the original resolution was carried, and a committee was appointed to consider the whole question and report.

Captain Mytton's Mishap. Whilst walking over a portion of his es- tate last Wednesday afternoon, Captain D. H. Mytton slipped on the wet grass, and injured his knee, fortunately, however, without fracturing the bone. He is now confined to his bed, but under the care of Dr Arthur Crump, Welshpool, his son-in-law, the veteran Squire of Garth is doing as well as can be expected.

SEEN AND HEARD. N'otbinc oxtenHata, nor set down aright in malice. SH, KRBPICAKE. "I read (writes a Caersws correspondent —not my Ancient City' scout) of the writ- ten challenge which decorated that mighty cucumber at Kerry Show, and am perfectly willing to believe that it, at any rate, was a home product. But if report be true, more than one prize ticket at that show was affixed to exhibits that never tasted the soil in the garden of the exhibitor. I hear of something like an invasion of New- town a night or two previous to the show; I am even told of winning vegetables seen at the Shrewsbury exhibition making their way to the competitive tent at Kerry, and I imagine, if all were known, there would be a fine outcry among those bonafide ex- hibitors who were beaten by unscrupulous competition. Thus, so it is, sir, that we in the Ancient City' think precious little of any horticultural challenge from over the Vastre." It is with considerable reluctance that I give publicity to that discrediting letter, parts of which I have been obliged to ex- punge. This, however, I am perfectly sure of, that the committee of the Kerry Show are unblameable for any dishonourable practices by which prizes may have been won. But publication of the letter may serve the purpose of sharpening the work of detection. Talking to an old and successful gardener the other day, I was assured that these practices are pursued at every show, and that they never will be, because they can- not be put down so long as there is dis- honour in human nature." Another veteran exhibitor, whose name no longer appears in prize lists, remarked to me, in the course of a stroll through his garden: "I used to think- that nothing in all creation could eclipse the roguery of dog- gie-men, but if you knew as much as I do, these ill-named gentry are simply not in it with the amateur gardener during the show season." Did I doubt ? Then I must listen. To what I listened I cannot, of course, give publicity, but this worthy opened his mind on persons and incidents, as perhaps he never did before, and he evi- dently felt relieved after a deliverance that would have shaken the nerves of the guilty ones had they heard it. This is a subject I have written not a little about, and I find precious little pleasure in labouring it. The conscience of the individual who stretches forth his hand to take a prize dis- honourably won will in its own time and in its own way sting worse than the keenest pen. Naught so unpitying as the ire of sin, The inappeas'ble Nemesis within. We are all acquainted with the village polytechnic. Looking into its unpreten- tious window upon goods thrown higgledy- piggledy, we see oranges and sweets, bacon and toffee, aprons and apricots, butter and tobacco, clinging lovingly together, and on walking inside the shop we note the same bewildering malarrangement. The owner does a comprehensive trade in catering for the various needs of an isolated community, and has no time nor taste for window dress- ing, or for precision in the assortment of his needle-to-an-anchor stock. He reaps riches untold, and the reaping requires not the aid of tasteful display. He is the universal provider of that rural common- wealth, and prides himself upon the limit- less range of his marketable possessions. I Here he is typified p(J¡' the bill head of a linen iilid woollen draper" near Pwllheli just addressfiu to xne by a friend now holidaying in that region. He 12 quote from the bill-head, also a hatter, grocer and tea dealer, seedsman, bookseller and music publisher, wholesale jeweller and watchmaker, general ironmonger, deal- er in toys and all kinds of fancy goods, agent for every description of agricultural implements by all the principal makers, and window glass (sheet and plate)." And now for his terms. Sixpence in the £ for ready cash; one month's credit, 4d in the £ two months' credit, 2d in the £ three months' credit, none. For the fourth month's credit interest charged 2d in the S, etc., etc." But the concluding sentence is the most delightfully original of all: If not paid in 12 months, I shall nothing to do with receiving the money." Visions of bum-bailiffs. Strangely enough, at the left-hand top corner of the bill-head cus- tomers are advised of only one price and ready money." My friend was so immensely tickled by the literature of this bill-head, that his strong sense of humour prompted the per- petration of a practical joke upon the trades- man. Entering the shop, he called for an Eiicyclopmdia Brittanica." The village provider, who knows more about candy than classics, regretfully replied, "So sorry I am run out of it at present, but I can recommend my home-cured ham." By a mighty effort my friend succeeded in steadying his frame inwardly heaving with explosive laughter, and tnen inquired after shot silk. Something connected with sport, evidently thought the tradesman, who once more apologetically announced that that exact article was also qut of stock, but," with a tempting smile he added, I've a very good double-barrelled gun and cheap." The joker's powers of self-restraint could hold out no longer. He simply exploded, and dragged his shaking self into the open, where a friendly lamp-post made a wel- come support during the irresistible fit of laughing helplessness The wonderful accuracy of my corres- pondent's meteorological forecast for August might well entitle him to a foremost place among the weather-wise, did he not already figure there as a distinguished scientist. His note for September advises, among other things, agricultural diligence in se- curing the grain crops, in view of a month of more than average rain. Unsettled is to be the character of the first week, followed by a brief cool spell, and then a warm cy- clonic period with thunder round the 19th that will taper off in coolness towards the close. He predicts rain in the opening days and chiefly round the 11th, 18th, and 25th, and the month will vanish under weeping skies. Ladies must, therefore, see to the reliability of their gamps and mackintoshes, while anglers will joyfully overhaul their tackle in contemplation of grassing a few big fins from the stirring of the hot. stag- nant pools. LVKE SUAUPE,

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION. The letter which a Machylleth correspond- ent writes in to-day's Express' is typical of many we receive from observant persons who recognise the serious importance of efficient supervision of the public milk sup- ply. For the purity of milk and the whole- someness of its sources the public generally have, strangely enough, little thought. Start a suspicion regarding the purity of their water supply, and you at once excite a universal feeling of alarm, which will evolve a peremptory demand for thorough investigation, and the adoption of equally thorough measures for security from pollu- tion. But for the soundness of milk, than which, perhaps, there is no commodity more susceptible to contamination, or more re- sponsible for the widespread dissemination of ravaging diseases, the average citizen seldom seems much concerned. Why, we have never understood. Yet it should occur to every thinking person that there ought to be greater public concern for the sources of milk than those of water. The latter are under the direct and constant ob- servation of officials specially charged with their supervision; the former receive, at most, periodic inspection, and, therefore, milk consumers are virtually at the mercy of the milkman, be he clean or dirty, be his cowshed sanitary or foul. As one writer impressively stated the other day, "tubercule bacilli has a liking for travel- ling in our milk cans, but tuberculosis is a disease which attacks its victims so silently and so insidiously that by the time the harm is done we are thinking of other things than the channel through which it has entered our homes." We know some- thing of the infant mortality resultant of unwholesome milk; who knows but that the periodic epidemics which we suffer in these parts are not directly attributable to the same cause ? If anything were needed to rouse public anxiety and stimulate local authorities to still greater activity and sus- tained vigilance in the cause of pure milk, we have only to turn to the results of in- vestigations recently made in Manchester by Professor Delepine, These investiga- tions were exhaustive enough, and carried out over a sufficiently long period to estab- lish the value of their discoveries. For ten years the professor had samples of milk taken daily at the railway stations on the arrival of the supplies from the country, the great- est care being exercised to prevent any kind of contamination during the process. The milk thus tested represented the supply from 1,400 farms, and no fewer than 3,650 samples were brought under analysis. It was found that about 9 per cent. contained virulent tubercule bacilli. During these ten years thousands of gallons charged with the bacilli of one of the most deadly di- seases were poured into Manchester. And may not the experience of Manchester be ours ? There the supplies, presumably with the knowledge that their milk was being daily subjected to scientific test, would naturally have exceptional regard for clean- liness; yet, either the unwholesomeness of their cowsheds and dairies, or the tuber- cular condition of their cows, accounted for this alarming discovery. Can one wonder that consumption continues to scourge communities which verily feed on its germs? There is no disease, says Dr Koch, which inflicts such deep wounds on mankind as this. Nearly 60,000 persons die of tubercular diseases every year in England and Wales alone. Consumption claims about one-ninth of our mortality J figures, and Dr Ransome has shown that of the deaths which occur between the ages of 20 and 35 years, nearly 40 per cent. are due to this disease. It is. however, encour- aging to know in connection with the Man- chester investigations that during the last ten years the percentage of tuberculous milk has been reduced from 17.2 to 6.6. and this gratifying fact may be credited to the operation of regulations which we hope I soon to see increased and enforced more sternly than at present. We may have to be content with something short of an ideal I dairy and cowshed, and in rural parts we 1 cannot hope for sanitary conditions equal to those we are entitled to expect in towns, where the enjoyment of special facilities admits of no excuse for uncleanness or in- sanitation. But the public health, reliant as it is upon the courage and efficiency of executive authority, demands the imme- diate reconstruction of those insanitary, ill-adapted, and ill-situated shanties of which we regularly read in the reports of health officers, or their removal from the list of registered premises. There must be no tinkering in the administration of the law with regard to sources of food supplies. Our correspondent is not only dissatisfied with apparent indfference on the part of rural sanitary authorities, but questions the courage of medical officers, whose private professional interests, he suggests, may influence a measure of toleration where the public interests call for summary and drastic action. For that reason he ad- vocates the appointment of county health officers, who would have no personal in- terests to jeopardise by a full and fearless discharge of their duties, and whose con- duct would be upheld by the Local Gov- ernment Board. Certain it is that dutiful officers must be prepared to sacrifice the I good opinions of those persons whose wil- ful neglect or obstinate indifference to official requirements render necessary re- sort to compulsion, and, therefore, they ought to be well remunerated; but we think, on the whole, our medical officers can be implicitly trusted. They are as much the servants of the Local Govern- ment Board as they are of the local authority, and the vigilance which the Board now exercises is not unknown to all who have anything to do with the adminis- tration of the Health Acts. Moreover, the Board is approachable to any individual who has a legitimate grievance to present, and medical officers of health are held primarily responsible for the existence of flagrant cases of insanitation upon which they may not have reported. Hence our faith in health officials. Would that we had as much faith in rural health authori- ties. But there is a visible disposition to- wards a higher standand of administrative efficiency, and we shall do our utmost to encourage it.

Some Interesting Figures. In the sixty-third annual report upon the Joint Counties Asylum at Bicton for the year ended last March, we are informed that the number of patients accommodated at the institution and boarded out is 862, 159 of whom belong to Montgomeryshire. Forty years ago the number was but 468. The cost of maintenance per patient at Bicton during the past year was 10s l*d, an increase of 7id on the year previous. In the abstract of accounts the total cost of maintenance for the twelve months amounts to C27,578, about half of which represents provisions and other necessaries, £8,000. clothing, £ 200, furniture and bedding, P-1,100, repairs, alterations, and additions, £ 3,000. How much of this C13,000, we won- der, found its way in contracts to the tradesmen of Montgomeryshire, which county has to contribute its proportionate share of management and maintenance. Shropshire, naturally enough, desires the extension of an already huge institution, which, while partly maintained by Mont- gomeryshire latepayers, is the valuable patron of Salopian tradespeople

Llanfylfin and Golf. Llanfyllin is determined to be upsides with its neighbours in the matter of golf links. The project found its inspiration in Councillor Pughe, who has had little diffi- culty in convincing the Council that the future prosperity of the northern borough is dependent upon its countenance and en- couragement of the Royal and Ancient game. The public devotion to golf is not a passing craze. The game was known long before the advent of cricket and football, and it has courted increasing popularity I with each succeeding generation. In fact, no town, save perhaps seaside summer re- sorts, can hope to attract the holiday maker in any numbers unless it can offer facilities for the golfing public. Llanfyllin, which can boast of a setting amidst some of the most picturesque scenery in .Montgomery- shire, and of piscatorial and other recrea- tive charms, will be well advised to find a golf course. We imagine that suitable land. can be easily acquired, and that the enthusiasm which the game everywhere generates will inaugurate a club for the con- struction and management of the course. Golf* clubs are institutions that have the faculty for prospering.

The Harvest, Old and New. Although the recent rainfall has done un- told good to parched pastures and root crops, it has seriously interfered with the progress of the grain harvest. Heavy show- ers, accompanied by strong gales, have beaten down the cereals in most parts of the county, and the sight of sodden sheafs in deserted fields breeds uneasiness in the breast of the farmer and disappoints the hope born of an ideal summer. As we write, the glass" shows a tendency to rise, though predictions point to a continu- ance of unsettled weather. At this season of the year, one naturally remarks the increasing inroads that are being made upon the sentiment and traditions of old harvest days, and consequently to a con- siderable extent upon the social life in rural parts. For the abolition of old cus- toms and methods associated with the har- vest, the present-day machinery is, of course, responsible. Now almost every part of harvesting operations is given up to mechanical means in the desire for speed. It may be said that success in business is independent of sentiment, and that the modern attitude towards old-fashioned ways indicates an intellectual as well as a com- mercial advance; yet who is there among us that will deny that in the picture of the old harvest field there was the life of sim- pler and gladder days ?

A Mochdre Burglary. Whilst details of Monday's robbery were being excitedly discussed, and all kinds of theories as to the whereabouts of the men advanced, the report was circulated that during Tuesday afternoon, Rhydarin, Moch- dre, the residence of Mr T. Mills, a retired farmer, and member of Caersws Board of Guardians, had been broken into. The police were summoned to the spot, and in- vestigations revealed the fact that Mr Mills and his housekeeper (Miss Jane Morgan) I visited Newtown on Tuesday, leaving the doors of the homestead securely fastened. A bedroom window facing the town had however, been left a little ajar to ventilate the room, and through this entrance had been effected by someone. Footprints were visible in the garden, and marks on a tree branch, wall, and water spout showed how the window had been reached. The interior of the house, both upstairs and downstairs, was completely ransacked, the contents- of drawers and cupboards be- ing scattered about the rooms. The only locked drawer the burglars had unsuccess- fully tampered with, there being marks on each side of the knob. Fortunately, with the exception of a small sum of the house- keeper s, which was untouched, no money had been left in the house, and the cul- prits exploit was a disappointing one, for so far as Mr Mills is able to ascertain, nothing is missing. One cupboard con- tained a bottle of port, whilst there were tempting eatables and other refreshments in the house, but they had been ignored. It is generally surmised that the perpe- trators of the burglary are a gang of local H dare-devils," who glory in such work.

The Deputy's Expenses. At the Standing Joint Committee on I1 riday, the sub-committee appointed to consider the application of Deputy Chief Constable Williams for an increased travel- ling allowance reported that they were of opinion that the allowance of t65 per an- num, including the amount allowed for a motor bicycle, was ample remuneration for all charges which were incurred. Mr Richard Lloyd explained that the com- mittee was attended by five members, and they were divided on the question. The superintendent was not asked to attend the meeting, and the two members in the min- oriy did not consider it advisable to deal with the case until they heard what he had to say. consequently an amendment was proposed to the effect that the matter be deferred to give the superintendent an op- portunity of stating his grounds for the ap- plication. Mr W. Humphreys complained that he did not receive the notice in time to attend the committee. Mr R. Jones made a similar complaint, and expressed the opinion that the meet- ing was invalid, as the notices did not com- ply with the standing orders. He thought they should ignore the report at present be- hem and start the proceedings anew. I-Q+T C!erk, admitted that the notices were rather short, but the meeting, he thought was perfectly legal. Eventually it was decided not to adopt the report, and another committee was ap- pointed, Supt Williams to be asked to It- tend the meeting.

BOWLING. NEWTOWN v. ABERYSTWYTH. The return match was played on the ground of the latter club on Thursday, and resulted in a victory for the visitors, who were subsequently entertained at the Lion Hotel, under the presidency of Mr Rufus Williams. Scores:— Newtown. M. Woosnam and Dr W7ilson 43—39 J. A. Jones and D. Morgan 45—31 H. Roberts and T. Phillips 45-36 G. Astley and D. Woollev 51-41 D. Bunford and Edwin Davies 46-40 230-187 Aberystwyth. O. Davies and P. Lovedav 39-48 J. Garner and C. Tliomas 40-47 Dr Brooke and D. Williams 40-44 J. Baird and J. Gaunt 49—37 n. Williams and M. Morgan 19-54 187-230

The Colonel's Protest. AN APOLOGY REQUESTED. There was a mild scene at Friday's meet- ing of the County Police Committee, when a report was submitted by a sub-committee to the effect that having considered the cir- cumstances under which the Newtown Pub- lic Hall was sold to Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, they regretted that they could not agree to make any allowance for the use of the same for assizes and quarter sessions, it being a condition of the sale that the coun- ty should be entitled to use the hall for these purposes free of charge. The report was the outcome of a letter received at the previous meeting from Messrs Powell and Jarvis, solicitors to the proprietor of the hall, suggesting that the time had come when an allowance should be made for the trouble and expense en- tailed in preparing the hall for the court purposes. The Chairman (Mr Richard Lloyd) re- marked that there was the side of equity as well as the side of legality to this ques- tion. No doubt there was considerable trouble and expense in altering the hall for assize and quarter session purposes. Look- ing at the report and the whole of the cir- cumstances of the case, lie did not know whether it would be well to come to some arrangement with the owner of the hall to hold other county meetings there. Owing to the large attendances, it was not always convenient to hold County Council and Education Committee meetings at the Police Court. Colonel Pryce-Jones referred to the ex- pense incurred by Sir Pryce-Jones in adapt- ing the hall to the use of the assizes and quarter sessions, and suggested that it would be only equitable if rent was paid ( for the holding of County Council and Education Committee meetings. By that the proprietor would have a certain amount of compensation for the thousands of pounds he had spent on the hall. Eventually the report was adopted. Colonel Pryce-Jones referred to the fact that the letter written by Messrs Powell and Jarvis was addressed to the Clerk of the County Council, and why it was brought before the Standing Joint Committee he could not understand. The Clerk explained that the letter had reference to the assizes and quarter ses- sions, which the Standing Joint Committee had to deal with. If it had gone to the County Council they would have had no locus standi. Colonel Pryce-Jones still protested. He did not care who the clerk ,was; he main- tained that the letter should have gone to the County Council. The Clerk quoted the law supporting his contention. The Chairman: It is quite clear. The Clerk: I think an apology is due from Colonel Pryce-Jones. Colonel Pryce-Jones: I am prepared to say that I regret that, but I don't withdraw my contention that the letter brought be- fore this Committee was incorrect. The Chairman: I think not.. I think the letter has come through the right channel. The Clerk: I will take full responsibility. The Chairman suggested that the letter be sent to the County Council. Mr Richard Jones: It will have to be worded differently. Colonel Pryce-Jones: My point is, the letter should have been brought before the County Council. The Chairman: I think not. The discussion then closed.

Highway Robbery near Newtown. A highway robbery with violence, com- mitted in broad daylight near Newtown, on Monday, was last week's topic of discus- sion in the district. It appears that on Monday afternoon, Mr Joseph Jones, an old man of seventy years, living at Brumbush," Penstrowed, was re- turning home from Newtown fair. His course lay along Ffrydd-lane, which branches off from the main road to Caer- sws about two miles from Newtown. It is a lonely spot, surrounded on every side by thick woods. The old man, probably un- conscious that his footsteps were being dogged, made his way along the lane as usual, but before getting very far, he was suddenly attacked from the rear by two tramps, A struggle ensued, but Mr Jones I Was 0Verjk>wertC«, aiid orutany assiil^ltQcl: about the head and face. His trouser leg was cut, and the pocket containing four sovereigns and half-a-crown completely torn out. The robbers then decamped with the plunder, and parted company, one mak- ing for the river Severn and the other for the woods. The shouts of the old man attracted .the attention of Ernest Jones, a little boy living at Hopyard, a block of cottages situated on the main road above Ffryd-lane. He was in a potatoe field near by, and running on to the road he saw Mr Jones' assailants de- camping. Dr Trumper, Newtown, was also passing at the time on his motor bicycle and rendered first-aid to the victim of the outrage. Mr Harold Oliver, Newtown, and Mr J. E. Powell, Caersws, afterwards re- mained with the man, whilst Dr Trumper summoned the Newtown police, and a carter gave information to the Caersws constable. They were quickly on the scene investigating every clue which might lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the rob- bery. In the struggle with Mr Jones, one of the men dropped his cap, and that is now in the possession of the police. Evidently, it was money the robbers required, for a watch Mr Jones had in his possession re- mained untouched. Several persons are said to have seen the tramps after the out- rage, but did not take sufficient notice of them to furnish a detailed description. The police are keeping a sharp look out for the culprits, but no arrest has yet been made.