Welsh Journals

TO™M D8jn}EIfY WW&W- * No. 35. Vol. III. NOVEMBER, 1895. Price One Penny. LLANIDLOES. The above Society held their opening meeting of the Session at the National Schools on "Wednesday October 30th, when a large number sat down to a good tea, the caterer being Mr. Geo. Roberts, Unicorn Shop. The following ladies kindly presided at the tea tables:— Mrs. Webb, Miss Ikin, Miss Kerr, and Miss Gertie Davies, assisted by Miss Marshall, and the Misses Webb. The tea was followed by a Mock Town Council Election. There were seven candidates nominated for four seats. A public meeting was first held so as to give each candidate an opportunity ol expressing his views on Municipal Affairs. The Vicar as mayor presided, and in a most able speech trimming with merriment, impressed upon the electors the great importance of electing the best men to represent them in the Council Chamber of this very important Borough of Llanidloes. The Mayor called upon the Candidates to address the meeting in the following order :—0. Dickens, Rev. W. D. Roberts, Morris Owen, E D. Davies, J. M. Kerr, W". 0. Davies, R. M. Davies. Lest an exuberance °f language on the part of any speaker should Unreasonably monopolize the time, each candidate's speech was limited, and he had to expound his views *n ten minutes. The first speaker waxed warm on the necessity of improved pavements which at present 9*e destructive to shoe leather. Believing that brevity is the soul of wit, he said his ' all ' in a few words. Rev. W. D. Roberts caused much amuse¬ ment by describing himself as anon-political Conser¬ vative with Radical tendencies. This mysterious Political creed of his perhaps lost him several votes. ■Sis purchase of a fire engine on aesthetic and not Practical grounds found favour with many of the Indies Mr. Morris Owen was the next speaker, and ~J:s eloquence and rhetorical power called to mind St. Stephen's, Westminister, and placed him at the head °f the poll. Mr. E. D. Davies, a candidate of very s°Und principles, made a good fight and was returned second on the poll. Mr J. M. Kerr a most promis It? speaker, was enthusiastic on the question of Water Supply and Eire Engine. He lamented the very primitive use of " a bucket of wet water " to extinguish a conflagration. Mr. W, 0. Davies was very keen on the question of Sanitation, and his advice should be highly valued. Mr. R. M. Davies came forward as a Progressive, and advocated all necessary changes at any cost. He saw no hope for the town, other than making it a health and holiday resort. The Mayor appointed Mr. Edmunds, N & S. Wales Bank, Presiding Officer, and Messrs. Marshall and Phillips, Check Clerks. During the election, canvassing was extensively practised. Party feeling ran high, and about 10 o'clock p.m., amid great excitement, the Mayor declared the state of the poll as follows :— M. H. Owen ., 38 E. D. Davies .. 35 R. M. Davies .. 34 Rev. W, D. Roberts 34 Chas. Dickens 23 J. M. Kerr . 14 W. 0. Davies.. 12 As Mr. D. A. Lewis's name has appeared in other reports, it ought to be explained that he was nomi¬ nated, and therefore his name appeared on the ballot- papers, but being unavoidably absent he had no opportunity of stating his views, and it was not intended that any should vote for him. The successful candidates thanked their supporters," and pledged themselves to do everything in their power for the general interests of the town. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Mayor which he suitably acknowledged. On the proposition of Mr. E. D. Davies, seconded by Rev. W. 1). Roberts, a vote of thanks was given to the ladies, who so kindly and so ably presided at the tea tables. The candidates are all to be complimented on their strict observance of the Corrupt Practices Act, and the entire absence of undue influence of any kind. The Young Men's Society are to be congratulated on the success of the entertainment and the splendid attendance. We look forward to a highly successful Session. [ Correspondent ]