The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

ARE YOU AWARE that by far the Largest Selection of every description of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE in the Principality, without a single exception, is held by the well-known Firm, BEVAN & COMPANY, Ltd., Swansea, Llanelly, Cardiff, &c. BEVAN ?? AND C^ OMRX LTD 1 ■ ———— BEVAN & COMPANY FOR RELIABLE GOODS! ROCK-BOTTOM PRICES! NEWEST DESIGNS! FREE DELIVERY! 280, Oxford Street, & The Arcade, I SWANSEA. Cwmbach Buildings, Vaughan Street, LLANELLY, &c. SCALE OF CHARGES. The only way to Reach the People in these Districts is to Advertise in the Chronicle. Special Quotations for Tradesmen's Advertisements. Auctioneers' Advertisements 3d. per line. Legal, Municipal, and Public Notices 6d. » Parliamentary Notices 9d. Paragraph Advertisements amongst News 6d. Births. Marriages, and Deaths, 20 Words, 1/6; and 3d. for each 8 additional words. Miscellaneous Wants, For Sales, To Lets, 21 Words for 1/ 3d. for every addi- tional 8 words. Three Insertions for 2/ Small Advertisements, unless prepaid, will be charged 6d. per line. All Orders and Money must be addressed: AMMAN VALLEY CHRONICLE," QUAY STREET, AMMANFORD. Prepaid Advertisements. NEW-LAID Eggs now cost one user ^d. each, but they used to cost him 1/7 each, before he used Karswood Spice, con- tain: ground insects, which increased egg output amazingly. Packets 2' d., nd., 1/3. -Evan Evans, Chemist, The Square, Amman- for. FOR Sale, Perambulator and Push-Chair, in good condition; moderate prices.— „ Apply Box A, Chronicle Office, Ammanford. "DULLETS lay well in bad weather if Karswood Poultry Spice is added to soft mash. Prove it to your profit. Packets 2d., 7d., 1/3.-D. Owens, Grocer, Cawdor Stores, Llandebie. FOR Sale, 50 Real Army Biankets. large size, at 16/6 each, 32/- a pair; also 150 pairs of full size Lace Curtains, at 4/11 per pair, worth 6/1 I.-Cohen, Quay Street, Ammanford. S TRA YED .-One Grey and one Bay Mountain Ponies.—Information to Morgan, Gelly, Palleg, Ystradgynlais. MONEY to Lend on Mortgage; any — amount, House or Farm, for a term of 15, 20, or 25 years.—Apply Box 12, Chronicle Office, Ammanford. A CTUAL test proves that Karswood (Harmless) Spice added to hen food produces double the eggs as same food with- out Karswood. Packets 2d., lid., 1/3.- Thomas Evans, Royal Stores, Llandilo. SUPERINTENDENTS and Agents Wanted at Brynamman, Gamant. Ammanford, Pontardulais, Llanelly, Tumble, and Cross Hands.—Apply House Pur- chase," Chronicle Office, Ammanford. A CTUAL test proves that Karswood (Harmless) Spice added to hen food produces double the eggs as same food with- out Karswood. Packets 2 £ d., 7\d., 1/3.- W. J. Wilkins, Chemist, Gwaun-cae-gurwen, EGGS Multiply where MOLASSINE LAYING MEAL is used. Obtainable from Corn Dealers, or The Molassine Co., Ltd., Greenwich, S.E. 10. MOLESKINP, Rabbits, Feathers, Horse- hair, &c., Wanted. Send for prices.— H. Stuart & Co., Albion Buildings. Alders- gate Street, London, E.C.I. ONE tablespoonful of Karswood Poultry Spice, containing ground insects, sup- plies 20 hens one day. Note the economy over ordinary spice." Packets 2^ 7sd., 1/3.-J. W. Evans, Amman Pharmacy, Gamant. PIANO BARGAINS.—^lilsom Uptight £ 45 Bechsteiri Gran«^'4 £ l 00 Collard Baby Grand, £90; Cornish Organ, £ 25; Challen* Upright, £3j; Cabinet Gramophone, Xt6; Trumpet Gramophone, £ 6; Pianola, 120: Kaps Grand, &80; Farrand pright, 160; Collard and Collard, £25; Broadwood Grand, iw. All Instruments guaranteed. Delivered carriage paid.-C. Milsom & Son, Ltd., The Great West of England Piano House, 15, Milsom Street, Bath. T HE INFLUENZA SCOURGE give. additional importance to Nasal Hygiene. Keep your nostrils and throat germ proof with NOSTROLINE Nasal Specific and you can- not catch Influenza, Nasal Catarrh and Head Colds. Of leading Chemists everywhere, 1/3 {by post 1/5). Sold by W. L. Y. Bye, Quay Street; E. Evans, 1, College Street; D. J. M. Jones, Quay Street, Ammanford; J. W. Evans, Gamant. Public Notices. HAULAGE OF COAL. T ENDERS are invited for the Haulag- of Coal for Gamswllt and District I from Amman ford Tirydail, Wemos, Park and Blaina Collieries. Tenders to be sent to the undersigned on or before February 1st, 1919. Apply for further particulars to W. GEO. PHILLIP J, 9, Cathan Terrace, Camswllt; Pantyffynnoa. Public Notices. RATIONING ORDER, 1913. N.R. 44. T HE following Instruction recently issued by the Ministry of" Food will probably be of assistance to the Public:— 1. The Food Controller has decided to give the public an opportunity for a free change of retailer during the fortnight from the 20th January to the 1st February, 1919. 2. The public have been informed by announcements in the Press that if they wish to change any of their retailers they should apply to such retailers for the counterfoils deposited with them. The retailer must on demand return such counterfoils to the cus- tomer in all cases in which the counterfoils have not already been sent to the Food Office. (Note.-Under the provisions of the Rationing Order, 1918, and Directions made thereunder, retailers are under a legal obligation to return counterfoils lodged with them as and when required, either to the customer or to the Food Committee). 3. If a retailer is unable to produce any particular counterfoil where he is under a legal obligation to do so, he will be required by his Food Committee to furnish a written statement to the effect that the customer has been registered with him for the food in ques- tion, together with an explanation as to why the counterfoil cannot be produced. 4. A retailer should, if required by the customer, continue to supply him with the rationed food in question until the end of the week in which the customer has ceased to be registered with him. After the 1st February a retailer may not serve any customer whose counterfoils are not held by him- or by the Food Office on his behalf. 5. Acceptance of New Customers for Regis- tration.-Persons desiring to change their retailers will, in exchange for their old counterfoils, receive from the Food Office special blank counterfoils to be deposited with the new retailer. These counterfoils will be printed in special colours and will bear special reference numbers as under:— Food. Colour of Ref. No. of Counterfoil Counteroil Meat GreeR N. 73 Baccn Brown N.74 Butter and Margarine Blue N. 75 Sugar Yellow. N. 76 Jam Red N. 77 Tea Salmon. N. 78 Lard Purple N. 80 Attached to each counterfoil will be a small slip, which must be detached by the person to whom the counterfoil is issued, and pasted over the appropriate space on the back cover of the ration book. 6. During the period, January 20th to February Ist, a retailer may accept for regis- tration only the following:— (a) A person to whom a ration book has been issued for the first time (i.e., dis- charged, or demobilised soldiers, immi- grants, etc.) or a person who has com- pleted the Permanent Removals Pro- cedure. Such persons will have a new ration book with no previous entry on the retailer's space on the back cover, and blank counter foils of the present type (co loured brown). (b) Persons previously registered with an- other retailer who are taking advantage of the opportunity for a free change of retailer during the period. Such persons will produce their old ration book with blank slips pasted over the appropriate spaces on the back cover and blank spare counterfoils of the types described in paragraph 5 above. 7. The retailer must in each case when accepting a new customer see that the cus- tomer's name and address and the serial .ber of the ration book have been written on the counter foil, and he must then write or stamp his own name and address on the back of the counterfoil and on the blank slip pasted on the back of the ration book. 8. Adjustment of Supplies.-Where a retailer finds, after the 1st February, that the number of his registered customers has in- creased to such an extent that he is not able out of his existing supplies to meet the autho- rised demands made upon him' by them, be should communicate with the Food Committee, who will, where they are satisfied that it is necessary, arrange for the issue to him of Supplementary Buying Permits, Vouchers, etc. 9. The first periodical return of the sale of each rationed food made by retailers subse- quent to February 1st must show the corrected number of their registered customers, and retailers must be prepared to produce to the Food Office,, where required, a corresponding number of counterfoils. Applications for permission to change a Retailer will not be entertained after the 1st February, 1919. Yours obediently, T. M. EVANS, Executive Officer. Amman ford Food Office, January 20th, 1919. AMMANFORD URBAN DISTRICT. HOUSING SCHEME. A PUBLIC MEETING of the Rate- payers of the above Urban District ill be hid at the Hall of the Y.M.C.A., Ammanford, on Thureday, January 30th, 1919, at 7 p.m., to consider the advisability I (or otherwise) of adopting for the Urban District the Housing Scheme suggested by the Local Government Board.; to receive an explanation of the views of the Urban Dis- trict Council thereon; and (if thought desirable) to pass a Resolution in relation thereto. (Signed) J. E. JONES, Chairman of the Council. Ammanford, January 22nd, 1919. Public Notices. LOOK OUT For the Repeat Performance at the PALACE, Ammanford, February 12th, 1919, Of the Magic Key By the Famous BETTWS JUVENILE CHOIR If you intend coming, BOOK YOUR SEAT EARLY. PUBLIC HALL, Gwaun.cae-gurwen. Watch this Column. Note the Dates- Feb. 13,14, 15, 1919, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 1 Maesymeillion' Will be there. Will you, if you intend coming, Book your Seat at once (the sooner the better), with Mr. IVOR JAMES, 8, Carmel St., Gwaun-cae-gurwen. The Gorslas & District Reception Fund. A GRAND BAZAAR AND SALE of WORK (Under the auspices of the above Fund) will be held at the Church Hall, Gorslas, On Saturday, March 15th, 1919, To raise Funds to welcome back our Brave Victorious Warriors from the various fields of operations. President: Mrs. D. F. DAVIES, Gwernllwyn, Cross Hands, And numerous other Vice-Presidents and Patrons. Preliminary Notice. A Grand BAZAAR AND SALE OF WORK IN AID OF THE Llandebie Proposed Public Memorial Hall, WILL BE HELD AT LLANDEBIE On Thursday & Saturday, MAY 29 & 31, 1919. Hon. Secretary: (Miss) M. MATTHEWS, Eryl, Llandebie. Tradesmen's Announcements. I SHAG TOBACCOS. Gwalia Brand. Welsh Terriers Brand. Gelert Brand. Sole South Wales Agents: The R. P. SYMONS' SALES Co., Ltd. 25, Wyndham Arcad.), CARDIFF. Scholastic. Old College School, Carmarthen. (Facing Beautiful Vale oi Towy). Ideal Institufion lor Direct Preparation and Great Production. BOARDERS KEPT. GIRLS ADMITTED. TERMS MODERATE. Head Master: REV. J. &. THOMAS, Late Headmaster of Park-y- Velvet Academy; Undergraduate of London University; Open Exhibitioner of Cardiff University; First in English, and Distinction in Chemistry; First Prizeman in Classics and Mathematics at Trevecca College. SUCCESSES IN SESSION 1917-18:—27. 25 College of Preceptors (2 with Honours). 2 Shorthand. For particulars, apply to Mr. THOMAS. Local & District News. TO CORRESPONDENTS. Reports, News Paragraphs, and all Communications for the "AMMAN VALLEY CHRONICLE" should be sent not later than WED- NESDAY earlier when- ever possible-addressed- EDITOR, Amman Valley Chronicle," AMMANFORD.

Miners' Demonstration at 1 Ammanford. The majority of the collieries frorf Gwaun- cae-gurwen to Penygroes were idle on Mon- day, the outcome of the .issuing of summonses against 42 colliers for breaches of contract. The mam cause of the trouble, our repre- sentative gathered, was due to the carrying out of a custom general in the colliery areas, that of attending the funerals of workers. Although the funeral on this particular occa- sion was of a man a stranger to the workers at Tirydail, yet he was regarded as a com- rade. 1. It can be said, however, that the man was a miner and wed at another col- liery. The men assembled on the Square on Mon- day morning, and paraded the main thorough- fares of Amman ford, headed by the Gwaun- cae-gurwen, Penygroes, and Ammanford Silver Bands. Banners were carried aloft, and bore the inscriptions: We are fighting for liberty to bury our dead," and Stand Fast, Labour." Outside the Police Court booing was indulged in, and the cry of Are we downhearted ? No!" could be heard dis- tinctly in the interior of the Court. The men also visited the residences of some of the local colliery managers. It had been decided during the previous week that the offénders should not appear to answer the charges, neither were they to be legally represented, as a protest. At the Palace Theatre, a mass meeting was held, when considerably over 1,000 miners were pr,-cnt. A resolution was sub- mitted and caTried, and which was to the effect that if payment of the damages was enforced, they (the miners) would call a strike affecting the whole of the collieries in the Amman Valley. Fortunately, this ex- treme action wa -.ot necessary, for later the announcement was made that the owners would not enforce their claims.

The Ammanford Co-operative Society, Ltd. ANOTHER RECORD HALF-YEAR. The half-yearly balance sheet of this sheet has been issued, bringing the operations of the Society up to December 4th, 1918. The trade done for the six months is £ 46,506, and the disposable surplus, after making pro- vision for all charges, is £ 3,920. A dividend of I s. 6d. in the £ is recommended. Nineteen years ago this Society started, and some of the men who signed the first copy of the Rules are active and loyal members of it to-day. They must feel a large amount of pleasure in seeing how great has been the development of their early work. It stands to-day in a safe and -flourishing position as a tribute to the loyalty, enthusiasm and volun- tary labours of that small band of men who prepared t' e ground for the harvest which the present members reap. In nineteen years we have built up a Trade of nearly S-100,000 a year. By the time we have entered the twenty years it will have exceeded that, at the present rate of progress. Built up entirely by our own efforts, Co-operation here, as in every other place, has not had the advertise- ment of any great names or prominent per- sonages to recommend it to the public. It has been, and is to-day, essentially of the people, by the people, for the people, and by the people we mean the workers. Indeed, the Co-operative Society is the first and only line of defence the workers have; it stands be- tween him whose sole capital is his Strength and Will to labour, and the class which neither toil nor spin, yet wax fat and pros- peprous on the profits taken out of the workers. In the early days of the war, the Co-operative Society, so long as its stocks lasted, was able to keep down prices in the interests of its members, and by this power were able to keep down prices generally. When the stocks were exhausted and had to be replaced, it was found that supplies of most commodities of everyday neeo were con- trolled by monopolies or semi-monopolies that were keener on the making of profits than the provision of abundant supplies at reasonable prices, or winning the war. This is the lesson which every Trade Unionist and every prison in this District professing progressive ideals and democratic sympathies should take to heart. WHERE DO WE STAND TO-DAY? We have built up out of nothing, without any assistance and with a strong opposition, a Society with an annual Trade of nearly £ 100,000. The Capital collectively owned by the 1,526 members is over' 1]8,000, and the Reserves £ 1,751. It has Freehold and Leasehold Properties, Fixed and Rolling Stock which cost over Y-6, 00, but which have been written down in the Balance Sheet by Depreci ion to S,3,82, though their useful- ness is greater than ever, and their condition very little worse than when they were built. It owns Goods in stock-we mean owns, be- cause they are all paid for-to the value of £ 18,770; a value not inflated by war con- ditions, but the actual cash value when bought. It has four flourishing Branches at present, and other villages in the neighbour- hood are calling us to take the gospel of Co-operation to them. WHAT HAS THE SOCIETY DONE I FOR ITS MEMBERS? Since May, 1911, it has returned to them in Surplus £ 30,891. It has paid in Interest on Share Capital, £ 3,145. The members have had paid out to them in Cash during this period S-18,290 as Shares withdrawn. Divi- dend and Interest, if not required, is aUowed to remain in the Society, and becomes Share Capital, upon which Interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum is paid, and is with- drawable when required. This explains the item of S.18,290 referred above. Working people have so little money for investment that they cannot take advantage of high rates of interest, because it means often locking up their money for a long period. This Society is paying 5 per cent. and holding the money in its business upon the condition that, if'it is wanted, the member can have it upon appli- cation without any cost or the trouble of selling. There are very few, if any, com- mercial concerns offering such advantages, backed by so reliable security. Since 1915, the Society has insured the life of every member free of cost, and the sum of £ 420 lis. 6d. has been paid to the dependents of deceased members. Sums ranging from i33 to f-5 have been handed over as a practical token of sympathy with a member in his or her loss. Under this Assur- ance Scheme, the Society at present holds every member and member's wife insured, and will pay upon the death of either 4s. for each £ spent witfc the Society for an average year, the last three years to be accounted in finding the average; and 2s. in the j. for the wife under the same method. There are no bothersome rules or conditions. The ordinary certificate of death issued by the Registrar for an Insurance Company is produced to the Offici-ar in the Society, and in less than a week the money is paid over. In cases of real need the money can be paid at onee when the notice is given. Cases are known where the Store Insurance has been all that a widow has fed to meet the expenses of such a time. The Society has endeavoured to act as model employers in this District. It was the pioneer of Early Closing and the dinner hour closing for all employees. Its scaJe of wages is in advance of that paid by any Business House. It refuses to handle sweated goods. It stands for Justice and Fairplay to the Pro- ducer. So far as it is possible, it only handles those goods where those who have given their labour to produce them are paid a fair wage. In its Drapery Department it refuses to exploit juvenile labour by taking apprentices —so-called—who have to serve without any wage or remuneration for a period. We start our youngest hands at 10s. per week. Trade Unionists in this District ought to open their eyes to this, and insist that in every shop J fthey patronise the minimum wage Should at least be paid even to boys and girls. WHAT IS THE PROGRAMME FOR THE FUTURE? We aim at a system and organisation which shall end all vested interests, in which the welfare of the community rather than the interests of profit-making groups shall be the governing principle. We are looking for a working agreement with the Trade Unions. Both Movements will cover the needs of the Common People, and one cannot reach its objective without the other. The Ammanford Co-operative Society, Ltd., is the only clearly defined piece of practical Democracy in this District, and it is up to the workers to make it so strong that no other interest dare challenge it. They can do it by loyalty in purchasing; by investing their savings in it. Our confidence is ex- pressed in the terms of £ s. d. We are looking forward to the extension of our business. At present our Central Premises are too small, and it will be neces- sary at an e¡fltly date to make provision for Trade and Stock, if we desirae- to keep in touch with the march of events. We shall want capital. The future is secure, if we are willing to work for it together, because Co-operation is the Law of Life. Recent developments are the opening of the Penny Savings Bank at Llandebie and Bettws, intended primarily for the children's pence. Deposits from Id. to IO. are taken, and Interest paid on all amounts over 4d. at the rate of IOd. in, the £ per year. The aim of the Committee is a system. of Trading which shall give the free-est con- venience and assistance, and yet keep the members clear of debt. It is a principle of the Movement that Debt is one of the Workers' worst enemies.—ADVT. 1.

Outlines of Local Government III. THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. The Justices of the Peace are the local office can be traced back to 1195, when cer- criminal magistrates. The origin of their tain knights were chosen to receive oaths for the preservation of the peace. These" Con- servators of the Peace were appointed for every county in 1327, and in 1360 became known as Justices of the Peace, having cer- tain criminal jurisdiction assigned to them. Powers to judge at Quarter Sessions were given in 1389, and in 1542 they were autho- rised to hold Petty Sessions. Their adminis- trative powers were mostly transferred to County Councils by an Act passed in 1888. They are appointed by the Crown on the nomination of the Lieutenant in counties to the Lord Chancellor, who sometimes ap-1 points without such a nomination, and is in wise bound to follow the recommendation. In the Counties Palatine, the Chancellor of the Duflty recommends and appoints for the Crown. There have been recently established Local Advisory Committees for the purpose of assisting in these nominations. Certain boroughs possess a separate Commission of the Peace. Qualifications. By the Justices of the Peace Act, 1906, all property qualifications were abolished. There are certain ex-officio Justices, viz.:— ( I) The Mayor of a Borough is a Justice of the Peace for his year of office and for twelve months afterwards. (2) The Chairman of a Rural or Urban District Council is, unless a woman or per- sonally disqualified, ex-officio a Justice of the Peace for the county Powers and Duties. (i.) Judicial. (I) Summary Jurisdiction is the description given to the powers of Justices of the Peace in trying minor criminal offences. The absence of a jury is of the essence of the proceedings. The Court is termed Petty Sessions, and is formed of two or more Jus- tices. The Petty Sessional Courts try and determine a very great number of cases, and their jurisdiction tends steadily towerease. They have power to fine, and also to im- prison, but the whole of their powers are derived from statutes, and they must not ex- ceed the limits there laid down. In the majority of cases they cannot award more than six months' imprpisonment. The matters which come before them include petty assaults and thefts, applications for judicial separa- tion, offences relating to game, offences against order, such as drunkenness and vagrancy, cruelty to children, breaches of bye- laws, and adulteration of food. In some cases which would otherwise have to go to Quarter Sessions or Assizes, the Justices have jurisdiction if the accused consents to be tried by them. One ustice sitting alone has jurisdiction over certain very small offences, such as drunkenness, but he cannot inflict a higher fine than twenty shillings or greater im- prisonment than fourteen days. (2) Procedure to Trial. Besides the deter- mination of minor cases, the Justices, in more serious cases, hold a preliminary enquiry to see if there is sufficient evidence to warrant sending the accused for trial to Quarter Sessions or Assizes. If the examining Justice —for one is sufficient for this purpose—sends the accused for trial,, a written accusation, called a "Bill of Indictment," is drawn up. This is laid before the gran3 jury at the Quarter Sessions ot Assizes, as the case may be. (ii.) Miscellaneous. J. J. Clarke sum- marises the miscellaneous powers of Justices thus:— ( J) Control ef persons and premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor by retail, billiard playing, and-in places where Part IV. of the Public Health Acts Amend- ment Act, 1890, has been adopted by the Local Authority—music, singing and dancing. (2) Dutbs under Cinematograph Act, 1909, and Explosives Act, 1875, where same have been delegated to the Justices. (3) Registration of clubs in which intoxi- cating liquor is supplied to members or their guests. 1 (4) Duties under the Lunacy Acts, 1890 to 1911, and Mental Deficiency Act, 1913. (5) Duties under Volunteers Act. 1863. Army Act, 1881, and Military Manoeuvres Act, 1831. (6) Appointment of Special Constables under the Special Constables Act, 1831. (7) Appointment of probation officers under the Police Acts. (8) Revising lists of jurors in counties, and in boroughs not having a separate Court of Quarter Sessions or a Borough Civil Court. (9) Allowances of rates and exemptions from payment thereof. (10) Appointment in counties of one-half of the members of the Standing Joint Com- mittee for the control of the County Con- stabulary. (11) Appointment of Visiting Committee of Prisons and Asylums. (12) Appointment of Overseers of the Poor in urban districts (including boroughs) where power to do so has not been obtained by the local Council. In such cases the nomi- nation is made by the Vestry Meeting. A Stipendiary Magistrate may be ap- pointed by the Crown on the recommendation of the Home Secretary upon the petition of the borough. He must be a barrister of not less than seven years' standing. IV. THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. The Overseers of the Poor were virtually the creators of the great Poor Law scheme of' 1601, and were for two centuries the actual a dministrators of that scheme. By the Statute of 1601 they were to raise in each parish a stock for setting the poor on work," to put poor children out as apprentices, and to fur- nish relief for the impotent poor. But their administrative functions were virtually abolished by the new Poor Law scheme of 1834, and the Overseers themselves reduced to the posi- tion of executive officials obeying the behests of Guardians and other authorities. The duties of the Overseers in respect of poor relief were in 1834 transferred to the Guar- dians, but the former still have power in cases of immediate urgency to order relief to be given. They are appointed yearly in each Parish, as foilows (1) Rural, by Parish Council or Parish Meeting or in case of neglect, by the Board of Guardians. (2) Urban, by:- (a) Justices on nomination, of Vestry; or (b) Borough or Urban District Council. This does not apply within the County of London. Qualifications. Any substantial householder," male or female. Anyone appointed is compelled to serve, unless he belongs to a class specially privileged, such as ministers, doctors, lawyers, &c. There are usually two Overseers for each civil parish, but there may be more, and some small parishes have only one by special enactment. The A ssistant Overseer is the paid officer' who collects the rates laid by the Overseers, and usually does all the work which the latter are nominally respon- sible for. He is appointed (a) In rural parishes by the Parish Council or Parish Meeting; (b) In urban districts by the District Coun- cil, if they have asked for the power to do so. otherwise in an ancient form by the inhabitants in vestry assmbled. Duties of Overseers. (1) Preparation of Poor Rate Valuation List, a list of all the rateable hereditaments in the parish. The Overseers draw up and sign a list of the rateable hereditaments," which, after being open to public inspection for fourteen days at the offices of the Guar- dians of the Poor for the Union, is transmitted to the special committee of the Guardians, known as the Union Assessment Committee. This committee, chosen annually by the Guardians for the express purpose of investi- gating and supervising the valuations made by the Overseers, and consisting of not less than six and not more than twelve members, pro- ceeds to hear any objections which may be made to the amount of the rating of any par- ticular hereditaments or to the omission of any hereditament. Further appeal lies to Special or Quarter Sessions. (2) Making, levying and collecting Poor Rate, which includes other services than Poor Relief:— I. Local Authorities issue precepts on Overseers of the various parishes. 2. Overseers estimate the rate required to produce the amount of the various precepts, together with Overseer' expenses. 3. Rate is then prepared and allowed by two Justices, and levied upon (a) Under Poor Relief Act, 1601-every inhabitant, parson, vicar and other, and every occupier of lands, houses, tithes impropriate. propriations of tithes, coal mines, or saleable underwoods; (b) Under Rating Act, 1874-occupiers of mines of every description not in the 1601 Act, land not subject to rights of common, sporting rights when severed from the occu- pation of land; (c) Occupiers of advertisement hoardings; (d) Agricultural land is assessed at one- half the rateable value. Occupation must be beneficial." 4. Exemptions from Rating. Registered places of worship, lighthouses. Crown pro- perty, &c. 5. RVe is levied upon occupiers (but note exceptions) 6. Appeal lies to Special or Quarter Sessions. (3) Assistance to t' Regi-tr tion Officer in the pèparation of Local Government and rlja .tary register of electors, lists of objections thereto, and attendance at Revision Courts. Preparation of Gri; Common Jury lists under similar conditions to register of electors. (5) Relief of the poor in ca -> of prgent necessity, including certifying pauper lunatics. (6) Keeping prescribed accounts and sub- mission of same to District Auditor of the Local Government Board. (7) Miscellaneous, including supervision of the work of the Assistant Or- .er. Accounts. The Accounts of the C ar" me up half-yearly to 31st Marc., and 30th Septem- ber, end ?-dited by the District Auditor of the Local Government Board.