The Pembroke County Guardian and Cardigan Reporter

CHARITY COMMISSION INQUIRY AT ST. DAVID'S. YERBATUM REPORTS. [At the urgent request of many of our read- ers in St. Davids district, we commence this week the publication of a verbatim report of this inquiry.—ED.] Mr. H. P. Morris, assistant commissioner, held a pub.ic inquiry on behalf of the Charity Commission at the Town Hall, St. Davids, Ju April 3rd, into the administration of Dr. Jones's Charity. The inquiry was held as the result cf representations made to the Charity Commissioners by the representative trustees of the charity, appointed by the Parish Council, that they were not allowed by the sub-chanter and vicars choral of St. David/ the share in the administration of the Charity to which they were properly entitled. There was a further complaint of unnecessary delay last year in the distribution of the Charity, and that the distribution was made in a sectarian place of worship. The inquiry evoked- considerable public interest, and a large number of the principal people sat patiently throughout the seven or eight hours that it lasted. Dr. Propert, barrister-at-law, and Mr. R. T. P. Williams (Haverfordwest) represented the sub-chanter and vicars choral of St. Davids: Mr Walter R. James (Nar- berth) appeared for "interested parishioners"; and there were also present the Very Rev the Dean of St. Davids, Rev. A. Biggerton Evans (vicar choral), Rev. G. P. Gabriel (sub-chanter), Rev. D. J. Jones, Rev. John Phillips (vicar of Uzmaston), Mr. G. D. Harries, a central trustee; Mr. W. G. Eaton Evans (Haverfordwest), clerk to he trustees; Mr. J. Howard Griffiths (Lleithyr), Mr. John Thomas, and Mr. J. Owen, representative trustees; Mr. S. Watts Williams, Dr. Williams, Mr. H. C. Morris, Mr. Jas .Rees (Clegyr), Mr. A. David, Mr. David Evans, Mr. Martin (Tre- benlliw), Mr. W. D. Beynon (Penlan), Mr. T. J. Davies (Penberry), Mr. W. D. Williams, Mr. F. Lewis, Mr. J. Owen (Gwrhyd), Mr. W. B. Evans (Llanungar), Mr. Thomas (London House), Mr. Isaac Evans, Mr. H. Roberts (Tre- leddin), and Mr. Owen Williams; Mr. G. Gibby Perkins (clerk to Parish Council), Miss Smith (Deanery), Miss Owen (Cathedral Close;, Mrs. Biggerton Evans, Misses Griffiths (New Cross). The Assistant Commissioner, in opening the Inquiry, said: I will be very brief. The Commissioners have directed this inquiry to be held in the exercise of functions con- ferred upon them by the Charitable Trusts Act, 1853 to ioit. The object or purpose of the Inquiry is to obtain for the Commis- sioners accurate information as to the admin- istration of that portion of the charity of Dr. Jones, which is applicable for the benefit of the poor of the parish of St. Davids, with especial reference to the question whether )r not, and if so, what changes may be desirable in the present mode of administering. The rtasons why Lie Inquiry has been directed are that representations have been made to the Commissioners by the members of a local tody of trustees, who are appointed by the Parish Council and to whom we are going to refer as overseer trustees, that they have not been allowed to share in the administra- tion of this charity to the extent to which they are properly entitled; and consequently the representatives of the Parish Council as petitioners support the representations made by their trustees, and a.so suggest that the sub-chanter and vicars choral should not have the very considerable control in the admin- istration of the charity they at present pos- sess. They further complain of the delay which took place last year in the distribution of the charity. They also complain that the distribution should not be made in a sectarian place of worship. I wish to state in opening this Inquiry 'I do so with an absolutely impartial mind; that it is my earnest wish to do all m my power that this inquiry may result in the end which I am sure all in this room have in view, viz., the renewal once and for all of all causes of friction between the local trustees and the making of such charges in the adminstratjon as wi.l put it on a basis which will give to Liie poor of this parish the great- est amount of benefit from this valuable en- dowment. I am anxious that everybody in this room, and everybody in the parish who chooses to attend shall have an opportunity of addressing me to-day. I am quite sure you will all assist me in the end I have in view; that is all I propose to say in opening the In- quiry. The Trust, as you are all aware, is a very ancient one. The founder was Dr. Jones, and the charity is governed by a deed bearing the date of lath February, 1698. I believe Mr. Eaton Evans has a copy of the deed in the room, so that anyone who chooses to refer to it will have an opportunity of doing so. I am reading from a report of Lord Brougham's Commission. That Commission was ap- pointed by Parliament to inquire into ail the charities in England. It sat for a great number of years, and this report was made in the yar 1834. In effect the reference to this deed is, to put it shortly, as follows:— Dr. Jones by his will expressed the wish that all his real estate should be given fxeey and absolutely to he setting out as appren- tices such children whose parents were not able to maintain them, and also for the maintenance of existing poor families, and Dr. Jones directed his executors to prepare a deed giving efiect to these intentions. The deed of the 16; h February is the result, ana it creates the Trust by which the charity is now regulated. That is the Trust. The endowment has increased very much, and on the occasion of the ast distribution amounted to £ 226 6s Under this Trust it is provided that the money shall be applied by the existing sub-chanter and vicars choral of the Cathedral of b,. Davids, and the overseers of the poor of the parish of St. Davids. The only alteration which has taken place in the Trust since the deed was made was in consequence of the Local Government Act of which enabled the Parish Council to substitute for the over seers a number of Trustees appointed by them, not exceeding the number of overseer trustees. Except in this respect the deed remains ex- actly as it was. If you substitute four trustees appointed by the Parish Council instead of overseers you have the deed as it stands at the present day. 1 will now ask Mr. Eaton Evans to give us some evidence as to the part taken by the contral trustees; their income; the general principles upon which they apportion the total income between the four parishes (Lampeter Velfrey, Lawrenny, Cosheston and St. David's) an exp anation of the part which the central Trustees take in the distribution of the charitv. As a matter of fact tne central trustees don't take any active part fn the selection of the beneficiaries m St. David's. They leave it to the local distributive body. Mr. w. G. Eaton Evans, in answer to the Commissioner said: I act as clerk to the central trustees. They are as follows:— hllhAp> BarT> John Frederick Lori PhiliH Adafs°n E°ch, Esq., Sir Charles A t/l' Arthur Grevi.He Lewis, Esq., Sir DavVl ^r6 my Pi^niPs Scour field, Bart, Gilbert Esq1 Ca^neRH ?^frthur Weiln^on Massy, Tho^a Rao £ n Vaugnan Philipps, Col. Saurin.° James Rocll> Colonel Morgan, James Februlr7ere, app°inted the last time 29th Palm ^iinrT^0' and meet on Saturday before meeTinraSssntrh ThaJ.is the At th- rv, t there is something special mittecT to '1StS °f beneficiaries are sub- Vicars CIK! prepare by the Sub-chanter tiie Parish cnan •1i0ur Trustees appointed by and sendtem^rtdTtHey prepai"6 the list" two of Ghe cental t?n y mUSt 6 SJgned by them. I then send a ™Stees' as approved by to the Sub-chanter. Caeque and the llsts back has be^n^prove? af a" ftrst..get a,list which irative trustees. meeting of adminis- Mr. Eaton Evans • u those present. gned by a majority of Ine Commissioner- Thf>r> Mr. Eaton Evans- Verv oft7 Slgn ltl me has been signed. What reaches is this. Mr. Gilbert Harries lives within three miles of St. David's. K £ r^ hlVhree If he approves of it he sigL and it to another trustee who siffnfft 1 A S??ds sends it in to me g and then vThe „Comrni3i'ner (referring to W LSL): Who signed the list I In the arrifearS coarse of events you would aier^n th f7 3K3V,hose Mr Eaton Evans: As a matter of fact the Sub- ««e a majority of <^ £ nts,«ned- The Commissioner- Yon a majority of those present yourself that You satisfy yottrse;, « it. tuted meeting and you know bk gaUy consti- Mr. Eaton Evans No rcmS^6? PreS€nt" that, it comes back to'me s-"?n h tel1 you is granted for that all isnght &Qd 1 ^ke The Commissioner: You question whether the riRhtWi g°mto the have been selected? of people Evans No oil T u list has spared' do is' a by two trustees, tw be ap- ussees. That is aU that is necessary according to the deed. The Commissioner: Then you get a list pre- pared and signed by the local body, and signed by two of the central trustees and then you send a cheque. Mr. Eaton Evans: Yes. The Commissioner: Then so far as you are concerned, the central trustees, your duties are at end! Mr. Eaton Evans: Except for the satisfaction of the Officials a certificate has to be given, and that will be approved at the next meet- ing. The Commissioner: Am I right in assuming that wnh the exception of those who sign the lists the other central trustees do not interfere? Mr Eaton Evans: That is so. The Com issioner: You never inquire into the merits of the recipients or the mode in which the fund is administered. Mr. Eaton Evans: That is strictly according to the Deed. Mr. vj.iuret Harries one of the central trustees was called. The Commissioner: Mr. Harries, when you sign the list of recipients do you yourself go into the question whether the list is a proper one, or accept it as correct from the appointed trustees ? Mr. Harries: Before I sign it I satisfy myself that it has been signed by a majority of those present. I generally get to know who is present and I am satisfied before I sign the Hist that it has been approved. The Commissioner: Do you know the persons ? Mr. Harries: Some of them, sir. The Commissioner: You trust to the Sub- chamer, the Vicar's Choral and the other trustees ? Mr. Harries: I am perfectly assured that the lis. has been prepared in all fairness. Mr Eaton Evans: All that is necessary is for Mr. Harries to satisfy himself that he list has been signed by a majority of those present at the meeting. That is all he has to do. Mr. Harries: Personally I would not sign un- less I was satisfied that due inquiry has been made. When I see a list signed by a majority of the trustees I am satisfied. Therefore I sign. The Commissioner: If a difference of opinion arose and' there was an equal number present of the Vicar's Choral and the Parish Councii. trustees, and a difference of opinion arose as to the particular recipient the central trustees would have a voice. Mr. Eaton Evans: I think they would, but it never has arisen. The Commissioner: it did on one occasion I kcow. All I want to get out was whether you agree with my opinion that the selection of the recipients does not rest solely with the local trustees; that the central trustees have, to a certain extent, a voice, so that if anything has been done improperly they couid inter- fere. I do not think there will be any dispute about that point. Mr. Eaton Evans: No, I think not. Such a thing never come to my knowledge. The Commissioner: There seems to a controll- ing power over the Sub-chanter the Vicar's Choral and the representatives of tne Parish Council, and the Central Trustees can in their proper place interfere. Dr. Propert: I think I can add something to that. In the year 1856 there was a dispute. The father of the last witness- Mr. Harries: Grandfather. Dr. Propert: Well, grandfather then. He had a list submitted to him, and as he was a man who took a keen interest in the Charity he was in aie habit of looking over the names very carefu-ly. He found one item that he objected to. I am naming this to show that the Central Trustees do take an interest in the list. He objected to this one item, and there was a long controversy about it. This seems to show that the Central Trustees do interfere if necessary. In this case it gave rise to a great -eal of trouble, and there was a long correspondence. Mr. -alon Evans: I have here the minutes recording the fact. The Commissioner: That gets out what I wanted. There are no changes made by the Sub-chanter, Vicar's Choral or Parish Council trustees, that the Central Trusttes have not a voice in. Dr. Propert: We came to an agreement eventually. The Commissioner: When was it? Dr. Propert: In 1856. Air. Eaton rvaiis: According to the minutes it was in 1854. The Commissioner: Since then, as a matter of fact, you have not interfered with a list signed by the Sub-chanter, Vicar's -iloral, and the other trustees but have accepted it. ur Propert: As a rule they accepted it. The Commissioner: I do not think I need ask any more questions about general adminis- tration. What about local? You who appear for the Sub-chanter and Vicar's Choral would you like to ad dressy me first. I have had certain allegations made which caused the in- quiry, and I have to inquire into the admins tratiun of the Charity. Mr. R. T. P. Williams: Perhaps the parties complaining should state their complaint. The Commissioner: I do not in ink- that would be convenient. Mr. Williams: Ought not we to take the evidence sustaining the a legations first. That is Lhe usual course in a court of law. The Commissioner: This is not a Court of Law, but an inquiry into the administration of the Charity. Mr W llliamis: I would submit that we should hear what these complaints are, then we will endeavour to rebut them and supply you with full information. However, just as you like. The Commissioner: I think I should like to have it stated unefly how you proceed witi. Lhe administration of the Charity. Dr. Propert: The way in which we do is as follows: When the Central Trustees allot money to the parish the clerk to the Central Trustees signifies that an allotment has been made. That being so the sub-chanter calls a meeting of the trustees. Ail the meet- ings were most harmonious, and we were like turtle-doves, never any disputes or quarrel. Lis.s were produced and questions invited. I have here a list of the meeting of the allotments made out and the distributions Irom 1366 to the present. The Commissioner: That you will put in. Dr. Propert: In 1856 a dispute arose. 1 was about a person on the list; either some person who ought not to be or to be knocked off. The Commissioner: What year was that? Dr. Piopert: In 1856. The matter went to the Charity Commissioners, who wrote us a great deal of information, and further saiu that from the Trust Deed it appeared that the sub-chanter and vicars choral and the overseers had ..le right of nomination, and that the sub-chanter and vicars choral had to receive the money and disburse it. Upon that they acted until 1870. In that year a change was made. The Elementary Education Act 1570) was passed; a great deal of poli- tical heat was shown and political dissent, and grave charges were made then as to the conduct of the sub-chanter and vicars choral in nominating persons to give money to who were not poor. They were even charged with prostituting their opportunities for the manufacture of votes. The Commissioner: Votes, for what purpose? Dr. Propert: For political purposes. It was said we were using the Charity for political purposes. The sub-chanter and vicars choral ihen said, "Very well, you charge us with all sorts of things. Then we will do as the Charity Commissioners said we have a right to do," and they said to the overseers at the time, "We will not allow you in future to disburse the money with us as you used to do." The Commissioner: They acted as a happy family. Dr. Propert: The Charity Commissioners had laid it down that the overseers had only the right to nominate the recipients and to sign the list; which was somewhat of the nature of a blank cheque, and the amount allotted was to be filled in by the sub-chanter and vicars choral, who also distributed the money. That went on until 1893 when your predecessor, Mr. Murray, came down and held an inquiry. He told us it was qdite c.ear tnat the money was to be distributed by the sub-chanter and vicars choral, but the recipients were to be named and the amount allotted to each were to be settled by the sub-chanter, the vicars choral, and the over- seers. After that date the Local Government Act came into operation, and in place of the overseers we had four persons who were ap- pointed by the Parish Council. That is how the matter how stands. The Commissioner: The only alteration is that four trustees are substitued by the Parish Council in place of the overseers. If I read two letters to you they will serve to illustrate further what Dr. Propert has told us, and they also deal with the further question of the actual distribuion. The first letter is ad- dressed to the sub-chanter and vicars choral of St. Davids. The report made by the Commissioner in 1893 stated that the functions assigned to the sub chanter and vicars choral, jointly with overseers, were clearly set forth in the Trust Deed. It was the duty of the sub-chanter and vicars choml to receive the money and (disburse it. It was further the function of the sub-chanter and vicars choral, jointly with the overseers, to nominate and appoint the children and families who were to parti- cipate in the benefit. With regard to the present administration of the charity the Commissioner found there was no reason to impugn its general fairness and discretion. It was less satisfactory to learn that about one- third of the total receipts of poor-law relief and further that St. Davids compared unfav- ourably with other pdaces in the county, in spite of, or perhaps by reason of, the exist- ence of this large charity." Mr. R. T. P. Williams: There may be an- other raeson for the cause of the large amount of pauperism in St. Davids. The Commissioner: It never has been as- certained, I suppose, what is the cause of the large amount of pauperism. The matter of whether the overseers had the right to at- tend the actual distribution of the money was raised in a question submitted to the Commissioners by Mr. Rees Davies, M.P. The question was freely considered by the Board of Commissioners, and in the opinion of the Board of that day, upon a careful exam- ination of the provisions of the Deed, they found that the function of disbursement was assigned exclusively to the sub-chanter and vicars choral. The latter, therefore, were within their strict rights in excluding the overseers. On L"e other hand, there was nothing in the Trust to forbid their pre- sence, and it would be a reasonable and courteous arrangement to allow those who have already taken part in selecting bene- ficiaries and in fixing the amount of benefit to be present when the individual payments are made. The Commissioner: That was the opinion given by Mr. (now Sir Charles) Alderson. That letter was written in reply to one from Mr. Theophilus Jones, of St. Davids, who had complained that the overseers were ex eluded from the meetings. I think these two letters explain the views which the Com- missioners have taken as to the construction of the deed; that the overseers have the right to take part in the selection of the beneficiaries and in fixing the amount of the benefit, but having done so their duties under the deed are completed. They have no right to attend the distribution, but that it would be a courteous act to allow them to attend if they wish to do so. The Commissioner (to Dr. Propert): Between the date of Mr. Murray's inquiry in 1893 and last year, has there been to your knowledge any complaint that the trustees appointed by the Parish Council have not been allowed to attend the meeting at which recipients were appointed, and that they have not been al. lowed to have their proper place. Dr. Propert: Nothing has come to my abso- lute knowledge. The Commissioner: We have had no com- plaint at the office of the Charity Commis- sioners until the year 1905. Dr. Propert: The only thing that has come to my knowledge by way of complaint was when I went a few days ago, in view of this inquiry, to peruse the minutes of the Parish Council. Then I found such a string of communications to the Charity Commissioners; that I should think every one at the office of the Commissioners must be sick of St. Davids by this time. The Commissioner (to Mr. Walter James): I should like to hear what you have to say with regard to your allegations. Mr. Walter R. James: I should like to make an explanation before proceeding with the ac- tive work of the inquiry. There have been allegations going about St. Davids that the object of this application to the Commission- ers, the only object, is to take away this charity from the poor people of St. Davids and hand it over to the Intermediate School. I wish to say there has been nothing further from the minds of the petitioners than this. Nothing is further from the minds of the gentlemen whom I represent to-day than the desire to take away from the poor people of St. Davids any part of the charity which they are entitled to under this deed. I want to make it perfectly clear. In a small town like St. Davids personal feeling goes a long way, and I wish to make it cllear that the complaints which have been made to the Charity Commissioners have not been made with any intention of taking these doles away from the poor people and adding to the endowment of the Intermediate School. As to the complaints which have been made by the gentlemen whom I represent as to the administration of this charity by the sub-chan- ter and vicars choral, I was not aware until now of the terms of the letter which was written in consequence of the attendance here of the Commissioner in 1893. To a cetrain extetn the Board of Commissioners decided that the actual rights of the overseers were to be present at the appointment of benefici- aries and the allocation of the funds, but they had no right ,except as might be accorded them in courtesy, to be present at the dis- tribution by the sub-chanter and vicars choraL There is no doubt but that the people who have power to allocate the money ought to have power to be present to see the actual distribution. It is a sore point, though it may appear a small one, that certain people who are officials in the parish, should have the right to nominate the people to receive the charity, and should not be thought good enough to be there to see the money distributed. It is as I said a small matter, perhaps, but it. has caused a very sore feeling. The Commissioner: I should like to ask a question. As a matter of fact, can you tell me if since 1893 the overseers, and subse- quently the trustees appointed by the Coun- cil, ever attended a distribution of the charity ? The Sub-chanter: Never, sir. The Commissioner: I should like to have that point cleared up. Have they ever sought to attend them and been excluded? The Sub-chanter: Never. We have always worked harmoniously since I have been here up to last year. Mr. R. T. P. Williams: Mr. Gabriel and his predecessor will give you all information which you require. Mr. James: I should (Like to point out that one of the grounds of complaint, so far as the trustees appointed by the Parish Council are concerned, is that there has been no properly convened meeting at which they could attend. The Commissioner: To what meeting do you refer; the selection of the beneficiaries or the distribution of the funds? Mr. James: The selection of the beneficiaries. The Commissioner: But you are entitled to attend for that purpose. Mr. James: As a attmer of fact there is no person at present as the trustees are constitued who can call them together. The Commissioner: The sub-chanter or the vicars choral can call a meeting. Mr. James: I wish to press the point. The trustees appointed by the Parish Council are the real trustees to administer the trust, and surely their convenience ought to be considered. Another point is, there has been no properly constituted chairman; no chair- man, no secretary, or correspondent, and really 110 person who holds a superior position to another to call this body together. One of the reasons why this complaint has gone up to the Charity Commissioners is that there must be some sort of definite ruling by the Charity Commissioners as to how this body was to administer charity. The Commissioner: My predecessor, Mr. Mur- ray, has given you a ruling. Mr. James: But it does not settle the point of who shall appoint a chairman. The com- plaint that went up goes so far as to sug- gest in which manner a chairman shall be appointed, and also the appointment of a corre- spondent. I think the Charity Commissioner in reply to a letter form the Parish Coun- cil intimated that the trustees appointed under the Local Government Act, Section 2, Section 114 had equal rights and equal standing with the trustees appointed under the Trust Deed. The Commissioner: That is so. Mr. James: We have been repeatedly told there is no doubt about that. The Commissioner: There is no doubt that each individual trustee appointed by the Parish Council has equal rights with the sub- chanter and vicars choral. Dr. Propert: The sub-chanter and vicars choral are a Corporation, and the sub-chanter has always presided over the meetings of his own body. The overseers were intro- duced to assist the sub-chanter and vicars choral in fixing the amount of charity to be disbursed, but they have not the same interest in it as the sub-chanter and vicars choral, therefore, the sub-chanter takes the chair naturally. The Commissioner: At meetings of his own chapter. (To be Continued.)

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PEMBROKE STEEPLE- CHASES. Successful Day at Alleston. Favoured with glorious weather the Pem- broke Hunt Steeplechases held on Wednesday Alleston Farm, couid only be described as successful, for though in some respects the sport was not quite so good as usual the attendance was excellent, and those present spent a most enjoyable afternoon. The course i3 an excellent one, and from the new stand which has been erected the whole of the races were easily visible. This stand, by the way, is certainly a great improvement. The attend- ance probably numbered over three thousand, for there was quite an array of carriages and motors on the field. Among others present were: Mr. F. Lort Phillips, Colonel Goodevc, Major Williams, Mr. W. G. Wynne, Mr. R. Harries, Mr. Bowen Summers, Mr C. H. R. Vickerman, Mr. E. S. Birkett, Dr. Hurrell Style, Major Burton, R.E., Dr. Reynolds, Mr. LoftUb Adams, MJ. Hugh Allen, Mr. T. B. Mousley, Dr. W. R. E. Williams, Captain Max- well, R. N., Mr. Owen Williams, and Mr A. W. Massy. It was a pity that the entries in one or two of the events were so small, but there were nine or ten good finishes Ivor Anthony had a most successful afternoon, and Mr. J. W. Phillips' stable did very well. There were several spills, but fortunately none of them proved serious. During the afternoon the bands of the Wiltshire Regiment were in attendance and played a programme of music. The officials were as follows: Judge, Mr. C W. Rees Stokes; Clerk of Course, Mr. H. C. Griffiths; Starter, Mr. B. G. Roberts; Clerk of the Scales, Mr. W. Hitchings; Auctioneer, R. Ormond; Auditor, Mr. F. J. Warren, and Secretary, Mr. G. R. Young. The results of the races were as follows:— The STEWARD'S PLATE of 40 sovereigns, the second horse receives 5 sovereigns out of the plate. Winners in previous races penalised, once TJOS, twice 71bs, three times 91bs extra. Horses that have never won a steeplechase in 1905 and 1906, five years old and upwards allowed 71bs. Three miles over the flying course. 1, Mr. J. W. Phillips' Rhyton, aged, 12st 71b, rider Ivon Anthony. Also ran, Mr. F. Bibby's Loughnavelly, six years, list 5 lbs, rider G. Morris. There were only two starters and Loughnavalley's rider having made a mistake as to the course re- tired after the first mile. Bettings, even money on Loughvalley, 5 to 4 on Rhyton. The ALLESTON SELLING HURDLE RACE of 30 sovereigns. The winner to be sold bv fuctioG for 50 sovereigns. Two miles over light hurdles. 1, Mr. W. Phillips' Lady Patty, 4 years, lOst 4]bs, rider, Ivor Anthony. 2, Mr. Ivans' Australian Homer, aged, list. 71bs, ridden by owner. 3, Mr.h F. Bibby's Tropees, 5 years, lOst lOlbs, rider, G. Morris. Also ran, Mr. W. Smith's King's Bounty, Captain R. H. Stewart's Ravensheugh, Captain Hunter's Kelston, and Mr R. H. Thomas' Miss Canada. Australian Homer made most of the running, but half a mile from home was overhauled by Lady Patty, who won after a good race by a length. A neck between second and third. Betting, 5 to 4 on Lady Patty, 5 to 2 agst. Australian Homer, 6 to 1 agst. Ravensheugh and King's Bounty, and 10 to 1 agst. others. The winner was bought by Mr. Harold Lawrence, of Ferryside, for 50 ,uineas. The GARRISON PLATE of 50 guineas, given by the Officers of the Pembroke Dock Garrison, for horses the property of tenant farmers and tradesmen residing in the Count- ies of Cardigan, Carmarthen, and Pembroke, two mi.es over the flying course. 1, Mr C. S. Smith's Fortunella, 5 years, 12st 41bs, rider, Ivor Anthony. 2, Mr. D. Davies' Letty's Last, 5 years, list 31bs, rider, T. P. Rees. Also ran, Mr. H. Hitching's Alwendeg. Cilwendeg threw its rider at the first water jump, but a good race ensued between the other two until at the last hurdle, Letty's Last, who was leading, came a regular cropper. It Aes at first thought that Rees was hurt but though much shaken he remounted, and finished the race. Betting, 2 to 1 on Fortunella, 3 to 1 agst. Letty's Last, 6 to 1 agst. Cilwendeg. The PEMBROKE SELLING STEEPLECHASE of o0 soverigns. Two miles over flying course. 1, Mr. J. W. Phillips' Rhyton, aged, 12st 3ib, rider, Ivor Anthony. A walk over. The CASTLE HURDLE RACE of 40 sover- igns. Two miles over eight hurdles. 1, Mr. J. W. Phillips' The Hawk, aged, 12st 71bs, rider, Ivor Anthony. 2, Mr. F. Bibby's Loughnavalley, 6 years, list 51bs, rider, V. Francis. 3, Mr H. Hitching's Cilwendeg, aged list 51bs, rider, Mr. BrenchlLey. A:so ran, Captain R. H. Steward's Raven- heugh, and Mr. J. W. Phillips' Auntie Kits. Loughnavalley made the running with Raven- sheugh, and the Hawk in close attendance, and a good race was witnessed. About a mile from home Ravensheugh took the lead, out directly afterwards faLed at a hurdle. l'he Hawk after a fine race won from Loughna- valley by half a length. Sixteen lengths be- tween second and third. Betting, 2 to 1 on The Hawk, 5 to 2 agst. Loughnavalley, 6 to 1 agst. Auntie Kits, 10 uo 1 agst. Ravensheugh, and 20 to 1 agst Cil- wendeg. »

NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTI- TUTION. MEETING AT MILFORD HAYEN. On Thursday evening a meeting was held at the Council Chamber, Milford Haven, to con- sider what steps should be taken on behalf of the Life-boat Saturday movement in the town. Col. W. R. Roberts, the convener of the meeting, presided, and introduced M. F. H. Johnston, Organising Secretary of the Life- boat Institution, who addressed the meeting on the work done by the Institution. The principle establishing a Life-boat Saturday was approved of, and a committee formed. Mr. H. Cole, Metropolitan Bank, was appointed honorary secretary, and Col. Roberts, chairman of the committee. It was aLso decided to adopt the envelope system of collecting, viz., leaving the envelopes at every house, and afterwards 2al ing round each house for them. A long dis cussion took place on the fixing of the date, and eventually it was decided for Saturday, October 6th, and a sacred concert to be held on the following Sunday. Several present advocated the transfer of the life-boat now at Angle to Milford side of the Haven, as a better look-out is kept and a crew always available. The meeting was well attended, and very enthusiastic. MEETING AT HAVERFORDWEST. On Friday afternoon a meeting, convened by the Mayor was held at the Shire Haill, Haverfordwest, to take steps to carry out the cause of the life-boat fund in he County town. The Mayor presided, and there were also pre- sent :-the Mayoress (Mrs. Price), and a very small company. The Mayor introduced Mr J_. H. Johnston, the Organising Secretary of the Institution, and in doing so said there were many charitable objects in Haverfordwest which they were called upon to support, but he thought they ought to make an effort to spare a little for so worhy an Institution. Mr. Johns- ton then delivered a brief address. A resolu- tion corclia,ly approving of the establishment of a Life-boat Fund in Haverfordwest was moved by the Mayor, seconded by Mr Sydney J. Rees, and adopted. It was then moved and adopted that those present should be constituted a commit lee to carry on the work. The Mayor for the time being was appointed President, Mr. Sydney Rees, was elected Chairman, and Mr. Howard, Hon Secretary and Treasurer. It was resolved to make an envelope collection from door to door on May 11th and 12th, and als t make a street cllection at the May Fair on May 15th. It was left to the committee to arrange about a concert. The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the Mayor. 0

AN INVALID GIRL. CURED OF DESPERATE ANÆMIA BY BILE BEANS. Miss Louisa Porter, of Hindringham, near Walsingham, NorfdLk, writes:— "Four years ago I began to suffer from anaemia. I got so bad that I could not work nor take my food. I had no strength left to get about with; my legs were swelled up, and I had always a tired feeling. I was troubled with biliousness, dizziness, palpita- tion, neuralgia, and severe headaches. All that saw me said I should soon be in my grave. One day I came across an advertisement of Bile Beans. I sent for some, and now I have taken four boxes I am quite well and strong. I can get about anywhere, the swell- ing of my legs has disappeared, and I no longer suffer from palpitation, neuralgia, head- aches, or biliousness. I am thankful for what Bile Beans have done for me." This letter is a type of shoals which reach us daily; simple, straightforward, unvarnished chapters of human history, straight from the homes and hearts of the people. They speak volumes for the purity, potency, and power of Bile Beans, and should convince you that Bile Beans are a positive and permanent cure for l all ailments arising from digestive troubles. But beware of the folly of dabbling with cheap and worthless substitutes. V.

GARDEN GOSSIP. Geranium Cuttings. Zonal and Ivy-leaved Geraniums for blooming next winter may be obtained in plenty by taking cuttings now. The gardener should buy cuttdnge of named varie- ties, 60 as to add to hie collection. They may be set round the edges of pots of sandy compoet. The young pl-a-nte may be pott.ed oil when they are growing well, before their roots become ell- fcwineci, and may be kept in a cold frame. It ie generally advisable to pinch out the top shoots when repotting them next, as this causes hUlSihy growth. Of course., any attempt at flowering before winter muet be promptly nipped in the budl, then the show of flowere, in a green- house of 50d>eg., should be eminently satisfac- tory. The Ivy-leaved varieties when weU trained, either a,gainst a trellis or sticks, or to sticks set round the pots' edges, make charm- ing specimens. < Sweet Willdams.-April is ithe best month in which to sow Sweet William seed; May will do, but the earlier plants are raised the finer will be next year's blossom. Seed should go t inch deep, in pans or boxes of sandy com- post, in a cold frame, cool greenhouse, or under eheet/s of glass on a sunny window sill. The seedlings should be pricked out three inches apart, and their next shift may well be into a seed bed! in semi-shade. June is the month for planting out aeedling Sweet Williams. They like a rich soil, require watering in times of drought, and may have liquid manure when buds are forming. This atten-tion, should be given to all old plants of Sweet Williams this season, after fimt pricking the soil up a little with a band-fork. Select-ed strains of seeds should be secured, even if the cost is slightly greater. Seedling Hollyhocks.—The dreaded Puccima. is still all too frequently seen in our Hollyhocks, and so far we have not got a cure. AI3 seed- lings have 'a. comparative immunity from the disease, some should be raised annually, and the earlier tihe seedt; are sown the better. Do not force growth by too much heat, but start germinaitaon in a warm frame, and as soon as possible afterwards transfer the pans or pots to a cold one. < Lawne.—Everyone yearns to have a small piece of grass, and many hours of hard labour are expended upon its maintenance. We must now think about seed sowing, eiither over the whole area or locally, according to the condi- tion of the turf. Before sowing scratch the surface over with an iron rake, and scatter the seeds moderately thickly; cover with some fine soil and roll down or the surface can be rolled without attempting to cover ,the eevd-s. The birds witfl find them in either case, and will devour large numbers, unless they are cir- cumvented by the aid of short sticks and numer. one strands of black thread. Planting Gladioli.—When the weather and the soil are favourable for the operation, the sooner Gladioli are goft in the better. They are not plants which grow equally well in all gardens, but they must be tried, as, if success follows, the spikes will be welcome for their stately beauty. The deeper the so.il the better, and it must have an abundance of the beet natural manure worked1 into tihe second spit. Get the soil friable, and sxiu the oorms five or six inches down, on a bed of coarse sand, and await events; or prepare the soil efficiently, but in- stead of planting the dorment corms start them in a greenhouse. This demands considerable care, and if transferred from the warm green- bouse to the cold soil without previous harden- ing, trouble is certain to accrue. < growers of these make a prac- tice of planting out the old tubers at this sea- son, and where there is no need for greatly increasing the stock, the method1 has much to oommend i<t, particularly when planting on warm, light soils. I always heavily manure the site for each clump of tubers, or if setting out a piece of land speciadly for them, this is deeply dug and heavily manured previous to planting. The old stools may be dividied into two or more portions at planting time. Primroses and Poly anthusee.—Those who de- sire to have large strop- "ints of these for flowering next spring, should sow M once in pans or boxes. If these are placed in a cool house or cold frame, and kept close, the seeds will germinate, if proper measures are taken to enento the soil being kept moist. Shading Houses.—For stove and greenhouse plants in general slight shading will soon become necessary upon bright days. To save expense, it is now far more usual than formerly to employ a coating of whitewash, or one of the advertised agents for this purpose. Blinds on rollers, or the lath blinds that can be drawn up and down when necessary, are possibly better for the occupants of the houses. < « < Sowing Grass Seeds.-Withi-n the next two or three weeks will be ample time for this work. When sowing the seeds, choose a calm, fine day, or instead of possessing a smooth, even sward when the seeds germinate, portions may be very much too thick, while others will be bare. Protect from the attacks of birds. Above all, purchase the seed from a reputable firm. < Vineries.—These should be cleared of bedding plants as soon as possible. The latest vines will be starting, and as soon as the buds are large enough to handle rub off those not re- quired, leaving the best placed ones. Young vines with buds as large as the tip of one's little finger should be planted without delay. Shake every bit of soil from the roots, lay these carefully out, cover them with six inches of soil, and press it quite firmly. If the soil is moist no water will be required at first, other- wise apply some warm water. Work in other vinereies will be the stopping of laterals and thinning bunches. < < Reed Sowing.—There will be a great deal of this work to be done at this period. Where the soil has been previously well worked, andl every- thing has been properly prepared, the work may be rapidly got o r during spells of dry, genial weather. In sowing on heavy land, a heap of finely sifted soil, mixed with-Rood ashes or ashes from rubbish fines, will be found useful. • Ca,rro-ts.-Sow the main crop of these within a few days, when the ground can be got into the right condition. A light dressing of salt has been found of value where the maggot ia troublesome. < C,e,lery.-Seed-lings should now be large enough to handle, if sown when advised. Prick off, three or four inches apart, in boxes of light, rich soil, and place in a warm house, Bear the glass, for a few days. < Potatoes.—No garden worthy the (name is too small for this important crop, but it is advisable to grow only the early and second early sorts. The chief reason for this is that the ground will be clear in time to neap a second harvest the same season, from such subjects as turnips, radishes, lettuces, celery, endive, dwarf beans, and savoys. Only a few rows, however, should be plamted with potatoes. A dozen rows twenty foot long would give a good return, and that space, when vacant later, would prove ample for several of the other vegetables mentioned above. If the soil requires manure use that which is well decayed, spread it evenly on the surface, and dig it in at thesowne time that the potatoes are planted. The latter should be in rows, twenty inches apart, and the sets twelve inches for the earliest, and fifteen inches for the midseason sorts, apart in rows. Cover the sets with about four inches of mould; do not trea.d upon the ground after planting is done. Har- binger, Myatt's Ashlea, Sharpe's Victor, and Southern Queen are good early Nsrieti-go; and Royal Kidney, British Queen, Vermont Gold Coin, Windsor Castle, Purple Perfection, and Sir John Llewelyn suitable second earhee. # ♦ Spinach.—To secure rapid growth the soil must be deeply dug, and well enriched with manure. Give the plants ample space to grow in, a.nd Ithin out the seedlings before they be- come overcrowded and weakened.. Be content with two rows instead of three if the space is limited, for a better return will be obtained from two rows, 'not only in quantity but also in quality. Draw out drills one inch deep, sow the seeds thinly, and cover them with fine soil. Thin out to four inches. The most useful variety is the Victoria Improved Round.

The members of the South African Com- mittee will be guarded on their tour of inspeo* tion by three detectives from Scotland Tsird. Mr. Brodie L. Duke, the tobacco manufac. turer, has obtained a divorce from Mrs. Alioe Webb Duke, to whom he was married in De- seraber, 1904.