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TOWN COUNCIL.
TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting of the council was held on Tuesday, present Aldermen C. M. Williams, in the chair, Peter Jones, and John James, Councillors George Green, William Thomas, John Evans, John Jenkins, Robert Doughton, T. W. Powell, John E. J. Lloyd, John Morgan and D. C. Roberts; Messrs A.J. Hughes, "town clerk, and Rees Jones, borough surveyor. INTEREST. 'On 43*8 proposition of Mr D. C Roberts, it was -decided to order the payment of interest upon the sum •of « £ 6,630. LOANS. The Town Clerk read the following letter from the Public Works Loan Board, dated the 18th December Sir, I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 14th inst., and to inform you that this board will not object to receive the payments in respect of their loan in April and October, instead of in May and November, if you will inform them the exact 'date at which payments will be made. I am to sug- :gest, for convenience in keeping the account, that the -Corporation should pay £ 323 Is. 8d. on account of Principal in April next and afterwards .£324, in order to prevent the recurrence of shillings and pence in the .account." A PILLAR BOX FOR PENPARKB. The Town Clerk, read the following letter General Post Office, London, Dec. 28th, 1889. Sir, With teference to your letter of the 2nd August last, written on behalf of the members oftheAberystwyth town council, I am directed by the Postmaster General to inform you that he has sanctioned the establishment of a wall-letter box at Penparke. The collection will be made at 4.25 p.m on week days." The Town Clerk said that the box had been fixed. TFLE MAIL INCONVENIENCE. The Town Clerk read the following letter "General Post Office, London, 21st December, 1889 Sir, In reply to your further letter of the 29th October last, relating to the morning delivery of letters at Aberystwyth, I am directed by the Post- master General to acquaint you, for the information of the Mayor and Town Council of Aberystwyth, thtt the sorting of the letters is already effected in the sorting carriage from Shrewsbury as far as practicable the town letters being separated from the country letters and sent to the post-office at Aberystwyth immedi- ately on the ariival of the mail train. The further ,division of the letters into postmen's walks could not be done in the sorting carriage so well or so quickly as it is now done at the head office; and even if a large -additional expenditure were incurred for providing more force in the sorting carriage, so as to admit of the letters being further prepared for delivery, no acceleration at all proportionate to the outlay would result. I am to add that the department is giving constant attention to the working of the mail service on the Cambrian Railways, and no effort will be spared to secure as far as possible the punctual arrival of the mails." The Town Clerk said that it was utterly useless to write again, and they should attack the question in a more practicable manner. He thought it would be desirable to hold a public meeting to discuss the matter. He pointed out that at Lincoln the delivery commenced immediately upon the arrival of the train, because the letters were sorted in the travelling van. He believed as a matter of fact, that that was done on the Cambrian as far as Newtown, up to which place a third sorting clelk travelled. Alderman John James Are the Newtown letters sorted ready for each man. The Town Clerk I am not prepared to say so but I believe it is so. Alderman John James The country letters are sorted, because they are given to the carriers immedi- ately upon the arrival of the train. The Town Clerk What can be done in a small room at the Post Office can I think easily be done in those large sorting vans. There is a committee in existence, in whose hands the matter now rests. Mr William Thomas said that in order to keep the ball rolling he would propose that the letter should be referred to the general purposes committee. They should not let the matter rest. Mr John Evans seconded the proposition. The Town Clerk said he met Mr Bowen Rowlands in London recently, and he told him that his services were entirely in the hands of the council, and that he wouid take any steps that the council would wish him in the matter (hear, hear). It was decided to refer the letter to the genenral purposes committee. HOMECOMING OF MR AND MRS VAUGHAN DAVIES. The Town Clerk read a letter from Mr R. J. Roberts, secretary to the committee which has been formed to give Mr and Mrs Vaughan Davies a warm reception upon their return home, in which he applied for the consent of the council to erect arches in Mary-street and Great Darkgate-street, on their return home. Alderman John James: I suppose there is no objection to that. Mr John Morgan: I suppose not. Alderman Peter Jones: Mary-street is very narrow. Would it not obstruct the footpath ? Alderman James: It is intended to place it at the comer of Mr Baker's shop. Mr Green: It is wide enough at that point. Alderman James moved that permission should be given. Alderman Peter Jones: Would it not be preferrable that they should confer with the Surveyor ? Alderman C. M. Williams That should be done. Alderman Jamei agreed to the suggestion, and the proposition having been seconded it was declared carried. COUNTY BOROUGHS. The Town Clerk said he had received a circular inviting the council to join an association of County boroughs which had recently been formed, with the view -of retaining as much power as the non-county boroughs now enjoyed. He suggested that the council should join the association. On the suggestion of Alderman Peter Jones, it was decided to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. Alderman John James said a committee bad been appointed to consider the advisability of forming an agri- cultural society in the town, and he asked them to allow the committee the use of that room, to prepare the details. Alderman Peter Jones said the matter lay in the hands of the .Mayor. That was the only little bit of patronage that was vested in the Mayor, that he was aware of (laughter.) PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. Alderman Peter Jones read the following reports c. Minutes of meeting of the public works committee, held on the 6th, present, Messrs Robert Doughton, John Jenkin". William Thomas, Alderman C. M. Williams, and Peter Jones, chairman; the borough surveyor and the borough accountant. — Labour sheets and bill# were examined and passed.—The ■accountant was instructed to cause a meeting of the public works committee to meet on the Marine- Terrace at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, to fix a site for mooring posts far boats." Meeting or the public works committee held on Saturday, December 27th, present Mr Griffith Williams, mayor, Alderman C. M. Williams, Coun- cilors John Morgan. William Thomas, Pobert Doughton, and Mr Rees Jones, surveyor. Your committee visited the castle grounds, and recommend -that the following improvements should be carried out: To slope the earth and loose stones on Trwyn "Crweningen. That boards be placed on the four seats under the camera. That IItepa with handrail be toade from the north side of the castle to the beach, »ear the entrance from King-street. To slope the north end of the footpath running along the church- yard wall, to the level of the entrance walk at the end of the path. That the defective railings on the «outh 6id« rf the castle, facing Graig-goch gardeu, be renewed, and those on the west; and north sides te repaired, and the railings adjoining the entrance On the north side be extended about 30 yards. The Committee also icetrtoted the Surveyor to carry out Several minor improvements for the protection of the Castle ruins.—Cloak Tower Tour committee reoom- Xaeads that a course of ahannel etoneabepl-toed 8round the baM of the slock tower, the cost not to exceed 452. Alderman P«W Jones proposed the adoption of Ue reports. Mr Willia.t ThomM seconded the proposition. earned, f „ „ VIKAKCB eOMMITTRB. following report Minutes of m «•«*»« of the finance committee held at the corporation oBcee, Monday, January 6th present Aldenua* C. M. Williams in the chair! Alderman Peter Jones. Mr William Thomas, Mr D. C. Robert-, the boreunh surveyor, and the borough accountant.—Labour sheets and bills: The iabour theots and bills due. from the corporation were 'Examined and passed.—Kenewal of Leases: Plans vaving been submitted of the following properties and the premises inspected, your committee recom- tDend that the application for renewals be grmted on the usual term. :-Marine-terra.ce, Mr li ddell Original grant dated Oetobor, 18 i 6; years unexpired, 18; ecale4 fanr-fifths rental, £ 40 with 15 per cent off fine, £ 163 4s Od, commuted at £ 4 19s 9d per cent > fprofcad rent, 5s total, £ 7 12s lOd.— forth-parada, Mrs Jaae Jones t Original groat dated May, 182L years unexpired, 30 scale, 3 four- fifths rental, £ M with 15 per cent off— £ 21 2s fine, < £ 33 19s 7d, commuted at £ 1410 9d per cent— .£315:; 7d ground ront, 5s total, £ i Os 7d. A meeting of the finance committee was held on the30fch December, present Messrs D. C. Roberts, chairman, Griffith Williams, Peter Jones, John James, 0. M. Williams, George Green, William Thomas, and the Town Clerk.-The Town Clerk hav- ing read the reply to the Land Commissioners of her Majesty's treasury to his letter of the 13th September last, in answer to the letter from the Department of the 23rd March last, it was resolved th t.t the Town Clerk, in order to meet the requirements of their Lordships, place the following notice on the agenda for the next special meeting of the council That in order to refund the sum of < £ 1.453 required towards paying off certain mortgage debts of the Corporation, the sum of .£63 7s lOd be immediately invested in Government annuities, under the following title, The Mayor,Aldermen and Burgesses of Aberystwyth in the matter of the Corporation Acts, and that the like amount be similarly invested yearly under the same title of the following 22 years. Your committee recommend that the Treasurer be instructed to arrange for the above investment of .£63 7s 10d forth- with and that the amount be paid to him for the purpose." Mr D. C. Roberts proposed the adaption of both reports, which were agreed to. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. Minutes of a meeting of the harbour committee held at the corporation offices, on Monday, January 6th, 1890, present Messrs Robert Doughton, John Jenkins, William Thomas, chairman; the borough surveyor, and the borough accountant. — Labour sheets and bills due from this department to the amount of .8140s lid were examined and passed.- Quarry A letter was considered by your committee from the tenant of the quarry, asking the corporation to fence the property now in his occupation, as yearly tenant, but the committee were unanimous not to grant the application. Mr D. C. Roberts asked if the committee had thoroughly considered the matter of fencing the property. Mr W. Thomas said that the rent only amounted to X2 per annum, and as it would take a larger sum than that annually to keep it in repair, they did not think it advisable to fence the ground. Mr D. C. Roberts proposed that the portion of the report pertaining to the quarry should be referred back to the committee. He understood that some time ago it was intended to plant the place. Alderman Peter Jones explained that it would cost between £ 30 and < £ 40 to fence it, beside the cost of keeping it in repair afterwards, He thought the decision arrived at was the best under the circum- stances. If, however, Mr Roberts wished to introduce the question of planting trees on the land he might place the matter on the agenda. Mr D. C. Roberts eventually withdrew his proposi- tion. The report was adopted, upon the proposition of Mr William Thomas. PUBLIC LIGHTS COMMITTEE. Mr William Thomas said a meeting of the public lights committee had been held, but the book had not been brought to the meeting, undoubtedly in consequence of the illness of Mr H. L. Evans. co"s HARBOUR ANNUITIES. It was decided, on the proposition of Alderman Peter Jones, to order the payment of harbour annuities OR the sum of 15,594, amounting to .£389 17s 5d. I THE STEAM ROLLER AND THE GAS KAINS. The Town Clerk read the following letter from Messrs Bedford Morrier, Williams and Robinson, Great Tower-street, LondonDear sir, We are instructed by the directors of the Aberystwyth Gas and Coke Company to place ourselves in communica- tion with you with reference to the damage caused to certain mains and pipes belonging to the company through the use of the steam roller employed by the Corporation of Aberystwyth. The Gas Company estimate (so far as they have at present been able to do) the damage in question, exclusive of leakage of gas, at .£3398 lOd. The corporation must. however, be aware that the actual cost of repairs to the mains and loss through leakage of gas are comparatively trifling compared with the serious risk to life and damage to person and property which may arise by reason of the fracture of mains and pipes and con- sequent explosion. The law on the subject of the use of steam rollers has been, as you are no doubt aware, before the Courts on several occa- sions during the last few years in the cases of the Gas Light and Coke Company v. the Kensington Vestry and the Gas Light and Coke Company v. the St. George's Vestry both of which cases we success- fully conducted from first to last. These cases are fully reported in the Law Reports. We are in a position therefore to advise the Aberystwyth Gas Company with confidence that they can obtain an injunction against your Corporation in respect to the future use of the steam roller in question with damages and costs. At the same time the Gas Com- pany have no desire to harass the Corporation in any way or to put them to any unnecessary expense, and although we have definite instructions to take pro- ceedings for an injunction and damages we will, upon condition that the Corporation at once send us a cheque for .£339s lOd and enter into a proper agree- ment, to be settled by us, with reference to the future use of the steam roller and liability as to fractures, &c., refrain from commencing proceedings. This offer is of course entirely without prejudice and must be accepted or declined forthwith." The Town Clerk explained that the reports referred to in the letter were read to the committee that con- sidered the matter. Those cases did not touch their case at all. Alderman Peter Jones proposed that the letter should be referred to the committee that considered the matter before, with power to sign a cheque for the amount if they deem it necessary, but he did not believe that would be the case, judging from the report they presented before. Alderman C. M. Williams That would be the finance committee. Alderman Peter Jones: No, it was the public lights committee. Mr John Morgan asked if it would not be better to have a committee of the whole council. He knew nothing about the matter. He did not wish them to rush into law, or not to go to law without knowing something about the matter. Mr John Evans said he could assure them that the Gas Company did not wish to go into litigation. Mr Powell seconded the proposition that the matter should be referred to the public lights committee. Mr William Thomas, who is chairman of the public lights committee, said he did not wish to have the responsibility of signing a cheque for the amount. Alderman C. M. Williams: Perhaps you will with. draw that portion of the proposition. Alderman Jones: I am prepared to place con- fidence in Mr Thomas (laughter). Alderman Peter Jones having withdrawn the latter portion of his proposition, it was put to the meeting and carried. LEABE OF LAND. On the proposition of Mr D. C. Roberts, it was decided to refer an application of Mr Thomas Powell, Market-street, for a lease of the piece of land ne ir the old mill in Mill-street, to the finance committee. RBNEWAL. Alderman Peter Jones proposed that an application of Miss Osmotherlay, Marine-terrace, for the renewal of the lease of No. 43, Marine-terrace, should also be referred to the finance oommittee. Mr William Thomas seconded the proposition, which was carried. MORTGAGE DEBTS. Mr D. C. Roberts proposed the following resolu- tion That in order to refund the sum of 41,458 required towards paying off certain mortgage debts of the Corporation the sum of £ 63 be immediately invested in Government Annuities under the follow- ing title, The Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Aberystwyth," in the matter of It he Corporati. njacts, and that the like amount be similarly invested yearly uudvr the same title fwr the following 22 yeirs" Alderman John James seconded the proposition. Carried. THE ROPEWALK STYLE. Mr D. C. Roberts had placed a notice on the agenda, that he would call attention to the style recently errect-d on the footpath leating from the new roadway, mar the Town Hall, over the Ropewalk hill. and that he would move a resolution that a committee be appointed for the purpose of enquiring into and reporting upon the matter. Mr Roberts said the matter was dis- cussed at the last meeting of the council, when the report of the public works committee was pre«ente4. If a committee was appointed to con- 1 sider the matter he had not the slightest doubt, but that they would arrive at some settlement. He was sure that they would receive all the assistance Mr William Thomas could give them and whatever decision they arrived at, be would no doubt readily meet them. Mr William Thomas said he would gladly second the proposition. He did not think it satisfactory that a matter of that kind should crop up here and there when any report was presented. He thought it only right that once for all it should be gone into and settled. He understood from Mr Roberts that the larger question was to be gone into. It might crop Up. and it ought to be considered. The pro- position was agreed to. Mr John Morgan then proposed that the matter should be considered by the public works committee, which was seconded and agreed to. This concluded the business of the council.
STA.NDING JOINT COMMITTEE.
STA.NDING JOINT COMMITTEE. A meatiajf of the Standing Joint Committee was held at the Town Hall, Limpeter, on Thursday, when all the msait/ers were present:- Colonel H DavioJ-iSvans, T. H. Maddy, John Rowland, J. T. Morgan, Nantoaerio, A. H. J.mes, Charles Lloyd, J. W. Szlu,-a )I-r. J. E. Rogers, John Powden. J. W. Willis Band, i^ice Lewes, Rev J. M. Griffiths, J. T. Morgui, Mcesnewydd. C. M. Williams, Knoch Davies, Morgan ''Ivans, David Griffiths, J. M. Howell, John James, jt*eter Jones, John Owen, D. C. Roberts, Thorn is L'honittJ, Blaen- porth, and John Williams, Mr H. C. Fryer, clerk, Major Bassett Lewis, chief constable, D.C.0. John Lloyd, and Supt Williams. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN. The Clerk said that the first business of the meeting was to appoint a chairman for the current year. Mr Charles Lloyd proposed the re-appointment of Colonel H. Davies-Bvans, remarking that it required few words of recommendation in his favour. Mr Szlumper said he had much pleasure in second- ing the proposition, and hoped that at the beginning of the New Year they would be unanimous in their propositions. He was sure that in Col Evans they had one of the very best men of the neighbourhood, and one who would devote his time and interest to the work, and to the best of his ability tend to do what was right and just. Mr Morgan Evans, as an amendment, proposed Mr John James as chairman for the current year. He was a gentleman who had had a great deal of experi- ence in public business. The Rev John Williams, Cardigan, briefly seconded the amendment. Mr Peter Jones said that before it was put to the meeting he would like to say a few words. He understood when the chairman was appointed last year that it was decided to appoint the chairman alternately from the members appointed by the court of quarter sessions and those appointed by county council. As the appointment was an annual one, he did not think it well to continue the services of a chairman for more than one year. He begged to support the amendment. The Rev J. M. Griffiths asked if there was such an understanding; in his opinion there was not. He believed it was mentioned, but it was not agreed to. The Clerk mid there was no resolution passed and he did not believe any public statement had been made that that arrangement was to hold good. The Rev J. M. Griffiths thought a statement was made before the election of chairman. Mr Peter Junes If it was made before the election it made their case all the stronger (laughter). The Clerk then put the amendment to the meetingl when 12 voted for it; he then put the origina, motion to the meeting for which 12 also voted' whereupon the Clerk said he did not think they could do better than adopt the same course as on the last occasion. The Act provided that the chairman could be chosen by lot upon an equal number of votes being recorded. He would place 24 pieces of paper into a hat, on two of which he would write the names of the persons nominated, and the first name out of the hat would be declared elected (hear, hear, and laughter). Major Price Lewes Are there 24 members present ? The Clerk I counted 24. Major Lewes It is doubted here. I think it should be made clear. The Rev J. M. Griffiths Have the names down. Mr Szlumper Yes, let us answer to our names. The Rev J. M. Grimths I think we are all here? Dr Enoch Davies: Yes, don't waste time. Major Lewes I am anxious not to waste time. Mr C. M, Williams: Yes, the time is precious. Next came the question whe should draw out of the hat. Dr Enoch Davies suggested Mr W. R. Hall. Mr John Jamas suggested Sergeant Morgan, who no doubt would do what he thought right. Mr Willis Bund thought it best that the clerk should draw, as was usually done. Mr Szlumper, amid loud laughter, suggested that the two gentlemen nominated should draw. Mr John James: One person is enough. It was eventually decided that the Clerk should draw, and after a few blanks hai been drawn, the name of Mr John James appeared, and he was declared elected chairman for the current year Dr Enoch Davies remarking that Cardiganshire was free once again. Mr John James thanked them for the honour they had conferred upon him. He would endeavour to fulfill the duties of the office they had given him in a just and satisfactory manner (hear, hear). MINUTES. On the proposition of Mr T. H. Maddy, seconded by Mr Charles Lloyd, it was decided to take the minutes of the last meeting as read. THE POLICE AND THE GAME AND FISH. The Chairman read the following letter Whitehall, 4th January, 1890. Sir, — I am directed by the Secretary of State to acquaint you that he has had under his careful consideration your letter of the 14th ultimo, and also the statement wherein referred to submitted by the Clerk to the Standing Joint Committee of Cardiganshire; and with regard to the questions therein raised, he is of opinion that the Local Government Act of 1838 does not override the Acts governing the county police in regard to the executive control of the police. The government and disposition of the police, and the power of dismissing constables, remain with the Chief Constable, subject to the lawful orders of the Joint Committee. It is of much importance to the efficiency and discipline of the force that his authority should be upheld by the Standing Joint Committee, and that enquiries into particular cases of alleged misconduct of police constables should be conducted by him. If, in the course of any inquiry that the Joint Committee think it necessary to make for their own guidance they desire the attendance of individnal police constables, the proper course appears to the Secretary of State to be that they should request the Chief Constable to direct the attendance of those constables. But the Joint Committee should bear in mind that all such inquiries are purely voluntary. They have no power to administer an oath, or to compel any persons to attend as witnesses, or to give evidence. As the committee have asked the Secretary of State to advise them as to the course they ought to pursue in this matter, the Secretary of State would suggest that the committee should not incur the serious responsibility of impairing the discipline of the force by a second investigation into particular allegations against certain constables not involving any offence against the law; but should rather consider what general orders they can and will give under the powers now vested in them with regard to the future action of the police in the matter in question, bearing in mind the primary duty of every constable to pre- serve the peace and prevent infractions of the law. A copy of this answer is being sent to the Chief Constable for his information.- I am, sir, your obedient servant, E L. PEMBEBTON." In answer to Mr Wiilis Bund, the Clerk said he had received no letter in respect of the prisoners' cells, &c.. r The Chairman asked whether it was the wish of the committee to discuss the letter from Whitehall then, or leave it until it had been read by the mem- bers separately. Mr Peter Jones said that he found by referring to the report presented by Mr Brenchley at the last meeting that they had held an inquiry into the accusation made by Dr Enoch Davies against a police constable, lie found by that report that the chief constable had wrote a few days before the meeting objecting to allow the committee to examine a constable on the matter. It seemed that they were perfectly right in asking for the attendance of the constables. He thought the chief constable gliolild have sent the men, because he was acquainted wish the des'ro of the comm:ttoe. He con- sidered that Major Lewes wa^ entirely wrony. but trusted that it would not occur again. Iney found that their power was a little greater than was anticipated by the chief constable, and, he thought, more than th^ chairman of quarter sessions con- sidered. They had power to give orders to the police. H- found that the court of quarter cessions for the c >ui.ty of Cardigan, had done somethmg that no other court ha 5 d'jne. Ho found a notiee had been placed on the agenda to consider a request of the court of quarter sessions that this committee should report generally to the court uvon the state and efficiency of the police force. He did not know whether it was the result of superior legal know- ledgc'on the part of that court. or whether it wa- du- to stupidness on their part. Howilver be would leave that to their own Iipseretioii (languor) He thought the answer they had received a very satisfactory one indeed, and ehowe.1 that the standing joint comrade were certainly right. He therefore thought the matter should be investigatwd. and as several of the old committee were not members of 'he prewmt standing joint committee, lie would propose <-t JM-S in their stead. He proposed that the master should be further investigated. The Chairman: Has any member I't.UY otn-r com- ment to make ? „. „ • Mr Willis Bund The motion is not feconrteil yet. j Mr C M. William- I will socoud it. 1 Mr Willis Bund said that tho letter angles ed that a second enquiry should not be held. He held that the chief constable had the power to prevent a constable iving evidence in that manner, tie con- sidered t'iO question a very serious one, and one tnat a. committee of that kind could not go into. They should recollect that the chief constable had ooneid. etahle powers, and could at any moment dismiss a eoasfcabio' in w-iy mis-conducted himself. They wera advised by the Home Secretary, in order not to disturb the discipline of the iorce not to pro- ceed with a second investigation.- That being the case he supposed that if they held a second inquiry they would have to take the consequences (hear, hear). Mr Szlumper said he should like to have some information upon the matter He did not know how it stood. He wished to know whether t',e misconduct complained of took place before that committee came into force or afterwards. If it occurred before that committee came into force he did not believe they had power to go into it, but if it occurred afterwards he would certainly support Mr Jones' proposal. He wanted some information. Major Price Lewes could not see what was to be gained by holding another investigation. Mr T. H. Maddy asked if the chief constable had been requested to make the inquiry himself. He thought that would have been the proper course to have taken. Mr Peter Jones The chief constable presented a report. Mr Maddy thought in the first place the chief con- stable should investigate the matter, and if they desired more information than he reported to them they might then proceed with the investigation. If they held an inquirv they should first of all refer to the chief constable. It seemed to him as if they had overlooked him. Mr Szlumper asked if the resolution was an unani- mous one. He should like to have a little more imformation. The Clerk then proceeded to read the history of the case from tin commencement, and after he had pro- ceeded some way Mr C. M. Williams asked if it was necessary to pro- ceed any further, because they all knew the facts. Mr Willis Bund I wish to hear it. Mr D. C. Roberts suggested that it should be handed to Mr Bund. Major Price Lewis It is nearly finished now. Mr C- M. Williams: There are columns yet. The Chairman: There is a great deal yet. Mr Peter Jones pointed out that it was intended before the close of the meeting to consider the ques- tion of sending reports to the Quarter Sessions upon the state of the police, and if that motiou was carried Mr Wills Band would get the facts in them (laughter). Major Price Lewes said that nothing ha1 been done by the po ice that they could proceed against and what on earth was the use of truillomg up charges against them. If they had done anything wrong they could proceed against them, but it seemed as if they wanted to hold an enquiry in order to find something. He could not understand the logic of it himself. The Home Secretary told them that they could not summon the police constable to give evidence, but that the chief constable should summon however they had summoned him without any referrence whatever to the chief constable at all. Mr Szlutnper Slid it seemed to him that th. y were domg nothing but wasting a great de il of tims (hear, hear). He could not see what they had to do with it at all. It was perfectly wasting time if the changes were m:\da respecting matters that had occur id before the standing joint committee came into existence. He wanted to know whether it was before or after the formation of the committee. The Clerk said that Dr Davies gave mtice of motion, which emphasised that the charges com- plained of took plaje in October, March and Ap-, il last. Mr Szlumper: What year r The Clerk: It would be in 1888 or 1889. Dr Hnoch Davies It was laet year. Mr C. M. Williams: This committee was not in existence the year before. Dr Ecosh D-ivies I could not have been here in 1888. Mr Szlumper When did the standing joint com- mittee come into existence ? Mr Willis Band On the first of April. Dr Enoch Davies What I wanted to know was how long were they eugaged iu watching the rivers and game when under the pay of the ratepayers ? It was a well-known fact that no police constable had any chance of promotion unless he was the means of getting (cries of ordet). That was the impres- sion of the public and the ratepayers. Mr J. T. Morgan, Nantcaerlo, protested against the remarks made by Dr Enoch Davies, but was met by a remark from the Chairman that Dr Davies was on his feet. Dr Enoch Davies: It has been going on since that inquiry, and is no doubt going on now. I think it is hicrh time that the ratepayers should make their voice heard strongly to prevent it in future. Let our squires, who are well able to pay, pay themselves for looking after their fish and game. It is really too bad that the public should pay for them. Mr D. C. Roberts said there was no legal charge against him, nor was it a question of a criminal charge. It was simply a question of fact, and was for the future regulation of the committee. A charge had been made against a constable, and unless they made it clear to the public that there was nothing in it it would always be looked upon as if there was some- thing in it, because the constable was not produced. It was therefore as much in the interest of the chief constable as of themselves that the constable should be produced. He did not tMnk that it would affect the discipline of the police at all, and he was sure they were all anxious to have the police discipline as perfect as possible. He thought it was very import- ant that that little case should be thoroughly enquired into, in order to have it cleared up. They had had the opinion of the Home Secretary, but he did not believe that he was in a position to judge, the same as themselves, and it was on those grounds that he meant to vote that an enquiry should be held. He thought they would be doing a great deal for the efficiency of the force if it was gone into. Mt J. T. Morgan, Nantceirio, said that they seemed to have confused the chief constable. Mr C. M. Williams I think that is out of order. The Chairman I don't think that anyone has confused him since 1 have had the honour of being on the committee. Dr Enoch Davies: What did you say P Mr J. T. Morgan That you have confused the chief constable. Dr Enoch Davies: We have not had the honour to go to Westminister yet. Mr Charles Lloyd said he did not thick they had power to compel the constable to give evidence, but he thought they should ask the chief constable to allow that constable to give evidence. The legal part was that they cou d not compel him, but perhaps if they asked the chief constable he would allow him. He thought it would be very much better if the chief constable allowed h)m to give evidence (hear, hear). The Rev. J. M. Griffiths agreed with every- thing Mr Lloyd had said, and he ha.d intended to say something to the same effect. Certain allegations had been made, and he thought that they should be investigated. He thought it was of very great im- portance that the matter should be cleared np. Dr Davies was one of the gentry of the country, bnt he hoped he was not one of those who engaged the poliee to look after his game (laughter). He meant to reserve his judgment until there was a full enquiry (hear, hear). He did not agree with Mr Willie Band that the efficiency of the force would be aff. cted (ap. plause). He thought it would be better to have th* matter thoroughly cleared tPp. He could not see what objection there could be to have on enquiry. If there was troth iu the ^allegations it wns *ve l that they as a joint committee should know the trutn (hear. hear). He hoped there wonld be no ol j-ction to have an enquiry, and then go on amiably in thi, future. Mr Szlumper: Would it not be well after the views expressed by Mr Lloyd and Mr Griffiths, if the chief constable would fall in with the committee and pro- duce the constable. The Chairman s-.id that the question was anked at a meeting of the county council, and after the chief constable had had sufficient time to consider the matter, he &aid distinctly that he did not authorise anyone to watch the rivers. It afterwards transpired that he was water bailiff of the rivers. No doubt that if he (the Chairman) was chief constable and water bai iff he would naturally tell the men to watch the river. If he was he would do so and fay so It would be very much better, and it would have saved them that time (hm-hter). Colonel H Davies-Kvans said he wished to ask a question. If a person expected a raid on his game was he not entitled to ask the police to watch it ? Mr Peter Jones said he quite agreed with the question; but the charge was that they paid greater attention to the watchinsr of the game and livers than to the business of the county. Whether that was true or not he would not express an opinion. He pointed out that P.C. Daniel Jones attended one of their meetings at Aberayron, and received the ordinary eipen^es, but when he was required at home he was not produced. After fome further remarks he proposed that the following gentlemen should form a committee to investigate the matter :—Mr Arthur Jones. Penrallt. Colonel H. Davies-Evans, Mr J. M. Howell Mr Morgan Evans, and the Rev John" Williams, Cardigan. Mr Morgan Evans asked if it was not a fact that Mr Brenchley asked the Chief Constable to produce the constable at the committee. Mr Charles Lloyd seconded Mr Peter Jones pro- position. „ > A vote was then taken, when twelve voted for and two against. THE SALARY OF THE CLERK. The next matter on the agenda was to consider the question of the salary of the clerk of the peace and of the County council. Col Evans said that they had no dftta to pro upon,but he had considered the matter very carefully and the work that the Clerk has to crvrry out. The duties of Clerk to that committee took the time of one mm. beside the time of another clerk for a part of the year. He did not believe in cutting the salary down too low, and he thonght that when be mentioned the sum of .8450 he was not exceeding a reasonable snm He therefore had great pleasure in proposing that sum, an.1 hoped that it would be voted unanimously. Mr t'eter J iies said he had g-reat pleasure in seconding the proposition. As chairman of the county council he had had some idea of tha heavy work that their clerk had t) parform. He did not think that the clerk of any county had worked so well as Mr Fryer had. He found that the salary httherto of the clerk of the peace was i>35 ), and he received an additional X50 as clerk to the county roads board, which made a total of £ 4t)0. He then briefly sumruarised the work to be performed by the clerk, and remarked that he well deserved the addi- tional £ 50 for the extra work. Mr bzlumper remarked that he did not consider the amount sufficient. The clerk of the peace received extra sums for preparing the lists of voter's, etc., beside the .£400. If he was asked to propose a fair sum he did not think he would propose anything under £ 500. He really felt inclined to move an amendment, because he did not consider.£50 sufficient to cover the extra work. The Chairman I take it that no one wilt second that. Mr Willis Bund also considered the extra work very great. The Chairman said they might increase it by and bye. Dr Enoch Davies There will be no other expenses, will there? The Chairman No. Mr Morgan Evans Let's have that settled. The proposition was then pat to the meeting and carried unanimously. POLICE AF.UR3. The following report was read by Mr Charles Lloyd Gentlemen, Your committee to enquire in'o the expenditure of the police force met on the 7th day of January. Your committee, after a very long investigation of the costs of the police in other counties of Wales, beg to make the following recommendation—that the services of one super- intendent be dispensed with. That having regard to the price of labour and the cost of living in this country, the present scale of constable's pay is high, and that in the case of all constables joining in future, the scale now in operation in the Pembroke- shire police force be adopted. That in future the XLO now allowed for the unitorm of the super- intendant be discontinued, and the uniform be provided by the county as required. That provided the County Council continue the services of the police superintendendents for the carrying out of the weights and measures, contagious diseases and explosives acts, the salaries and allowances now paid. viz, .£200, include all such work save reason- able out-of pocket expenses." Mr Charles Lloyd proposed, and Mr J. T. Mjrgan, Maesnewydd, seconded the adoption of the report. Mr Szlumper thought they should have more in- formation, which should be printed and sent to each member ot the committee. He therefore proposed that the consideration of the report should be deferred to the nexi meeting. Tnis was seconded by Mr Willis Bund. The Rev. J. M. Griffiths supported the amendment as also did Mr Maddy. Major Price Lewes thought it best to receive the report. Mr Charles Lloyd explained that the pay of the Cardiganshire police was much higher than that of Pembrokeshire, and said that they were paying about a thousand a year more in proportion than the latter county. In Pembrokeshire they had five classes, whereas in this county there are only three, and no one at present in the third class. He also compared their position with that of Montgomery, Radnor, Glamorgan, &c. In Montgomeryshire they had only one superintendent. Mr Willis Bund said that. he had gone through the figures, and found that the pay of the police here was very high compared with other counties. He did not agree with having only one superintendent for the county, and said it would be a twopenny- I halfpenny kind of economy. Colonel Evans also said the pay seemed high. Wages were much higher and circumstances were v-ry different when the present pay was agreed to. They were actually paying on one of the higher rates prepared by the Home Secretary. Mr 8zlamper said that surely Mr Lloyd and th-i committee had more information than was presented there to arrive at their decision, and no doubt had a number of figures. He should like to have those fignros laid before them in an intelligible form, and no doubt when that was done they could all arrive at an unanimous conclusion. A vote was then taken, and it was decided to ad- journ the consideration of the report, the clerk in t h mean time to prepare a statement showing the position of the force, &c. Mr Maddy said he found that out of the twelve Welsh counties five paid less than they did, six paid more, and one the same. He suggested that the clerk should proviae a statement giving population, number of police, with their grades, &c., they would then be in a better position to arrive at a decision. Colonel Evans thought the matter should be sifted. it would be much more satisfactory if they had this information. M tjor Bassett Lewis had told him that the present basis of police pay was arrived at in 1876, at which time wages were much lower than at present ("no, no.") Mr Willis Bund thought it only right that they should have sufficient data to form an opinion, it being very difficult to read out a number of figures, I and still more difficult to grasp them when read. Mr C. M. Williams explained that it was not the intention ef the committee to lower the pay of the present police, but that the reduction should come into force when new men joined. Mr Peter Jones did not think they would find much difficulty in gettmg the sanction of the Home Office to employing only one superintendent, because he found that they had only one in Montgomeryshire. THE CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. Major Bassett Lewis read his report, as follows :— The Chief Constable submitted the following report:—" I have the honour to report for the information of the members of the Standing Joint Committee that the effective state of the Cardigan- shire constabulary is as follows:—1 chief constable, 1 deputy chief constable, 1 superintendent, 6 sergeants, 30 constables, and that there are no vaca- tions in the force at present. I beg to append a copy of the allocation return, which shows the present dis- position of the force also a return showing the num- ber of persons summoned and apprehended, nature of crime and how dealt with. The total number of per- sons charged (286) shows a decrease of 33 as compared I with the total number (3t9) of the corresponding quarter of last year, the decrease being chiefly due to the small number of civil cases, 55, against 114 in the corresponding quarter of last year." Dr Enoch Davies asked if an investigation had been made into the case of the pigs that had died at Glynclettwr, near Llandyssil, the property of Mr John Thomas. The Chief Constable said he had received on the I previous day from the Clerk two scraps of paper stating that Dr Encch Davies intended asking that question. The Clerk said he had handed the papers to Major Lewis the day before yesterday. He might have stated the correct day. The Chi f Constable then read a report, which showed that one of the pigs had been alia ysed by the public analyst, and that it was found that it had not e ten any chemical or vegetable poison. That w.i- the explanation. Dr Davies said he was satisfied. MAGISTRATES' CLEliKS' FSKS. Mr Chlrl-.s Lioyd read the report of t.h^ committee on this question, as follows :— "The question of the salaries of the justices clerks was referred t) myself and the clerk to the committee. The letter has written to the Home Secretary and I shall ask him to read the reply. Though this question was not referred back to the o'dcomnntte« we felt it called for an early settlement an i we took that liberty of conferring with as many of the old committee as could be called together. It wa* felt that sufficient attention had not been paid to population and business generally in some instances. The amounts now recommended to you are as follows: —Aberayron, £ 119 Upper Har..670: Lampeter, £ 45; Tregaron, J2C0; Upper Geneu'rglyn, £ 45; Lower Geneu'rglyn, JE40; Llandyssnl, £ 3o; Pen- rhiwpal, J645; and Lower Troedyraur, X32; total, ,£482" The Clerk read the following letter :— Whitehall, 23fch November. Sir,—lam directed b< Mr Secretary Matthews to acknowledge the receip of your letter of the 20th inst., relative to th salaries recommended by tho Standing Joint Com mittee for Cardig «n«h re for ttie. clerks to the Justices uf the petty aessional divisions of ti,e county, in which letter the col-ninit-ee inquire whether t e Secretary of State will be prepared to sanction 11 *ainri*B i>fo; os"<1 upon the Jbasis taken by the co u in:t,tee, r r.si'iiT* that tL6 ymenta should b ..a..rd upon t e fees e- rn. d. Iu rep y I am toacqna u von. forihp f formation "f the ijn mittae. that tli Secri tar of S "te will n^t 1 ot r«it-e any obj- eTion, o the grouli I ha the pr-p >* >1 is to fix the salaries in ihemMa or the basis ot the time occupied by the justices cltrks in aud for the discharge of th it duL'vS. He wIl:, however, i'eei uimseif at lioertyfei take of¡.. ct-nsiderauon oti.er e.reutnstimoets Theco necees n fV' Mr Li 'j'i pror.oS3-3, and Mr J), C. Roberts 8- comic*, th achptoi the roport. Mr Szlutnps/ a«>* <i whether it wo a lu mt be advis- able to ui.-ike • !erk« p¿ty f ,r any mi.-tikts taey might commit in filling .1(7 ordin TV forms. Mr Willis Band pointed o"<t that u idor sec-. 116 ind 119 of the ix>ca! Gof« mm »nt Act th y hal not he p »r.'er to 1 iwer thes-* r^iaric. below what tnej were previous to the i-omifflrtea coining mio exist- ence. He would ask cho COUSL ittee whether it would notb ivisabie h»t th»y ehcaid wait until that point v.<un settled, as is vf'as to be settled very short! di-:1 not t hink the ratepayers of Cardi- ganshu- mid be pat to the expanse of settling tha poiur. -*■ proposed that no farther steps be taken until tiie question had bees stttled.- Mr Patsr Jones did nor. see what thpy woul I gain by allowing i?. to stand over. It would saving to the county If it were carried out at once. understood that all the cle-ks to the justices fcafagrevl to the alteration, except one. H, truste i ti.n-t, they would support and bring it into operation at once. He thought they had put several matters o5 that kiud right, "nd on enquiry the expenses were vary small indeed, asd if th-y had no barristo-r a-t all ta represent them he did not sea that tif-Y would be very badly'off (hear, heir, and laughter). The proposal. that tiie report be adopted waa earned. THE FIXANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. ■ Mr Charles L!oyd read the following report, &n<J proposed its adoption. Gentienten. your committee examined tha polica M, -a 3 accounts for the past quarter, ending Decern her'31sfe, 1889. Your committee wish to draw the atte .tion of the standing joint commi"tee to a sum of £7.5, beiap the quarter's pay and allowance for the chief constable. This sum of £ 75 was withheld by the standing joint committee on October 10th, 1889* pending the reference to the Home Secretary sa to his action in witholding the police constable front ",d a i giving evidence before rhe sub-committee of enquiry, but has been drawn by the Cnief Constable in thtt usual course. Your committee ask the standing' joint committe to order that all receipts be produced to its finance committee." Colonel Evans seconded the adoption of the report. Mr D. C. Roberts said he desired to say a few words u £ .a that report. I&efereuce had been ma>dft to £75, salary of the chief COilst4b:e, which the last committee had withheld. They would see by the report that Major lias-sett Lewis had drawn that, amount. Fot the way he had procured it Major Le;"is had apologised, but he thought they had a. riarht to stop that sum being drawn, and therefora it was Lhe duty of tho committee to withhold it. He thought it was of the utmost importance that that committee and their officers shon'd work in har- mony. If there was no harmony it was no use their trying to get along. They hal been told continu- ally by Major Bassett Lewis and some members of the committee that the chief constable had consider- able powers over tiio for.ie. If he has those £ reafe powers he thought it was of far greater importance tha.t they should work in harmony. 4fter all thesa great powers, tha.t Committee conld not work harmon- iously with the Chief Constable,and he considered that it was us'-dt-s} to try (hear, hear). He se'.s them at defiance, and his attitude was still the same. Ha did not. see t ie use of paying between £ 400 and. X500 to the present Chief Constable, and then n'lt bar able to work h trmoniously. The sooner they settled the question the better, and he had made up his own mind, and that diy he was called upon to notice that they di-pense which the services of tha Chief Constable. He believed they ha.d power undee the Act to take that st^p. He concluded by pro- posing that the services of the Chief Constable be dispensed with, and tha.t the Cl rk be called npJn to give the necessary notice. Dr Enoch Davies seconded the proposition. He agreed with what Mr Roberts had said, and the steps he had taken would meet with the approval of ttiat ratepayers in his district. They had lived in that county long enough to find that they could liva without the Chief Constable's services, and that they could easily get another man willing to carry out tho wishes of the committee anl pull along with them. Mr Willis Band pointed out that the proposition was out of order according to the fifth standing order. The, Chairman ruled it to be in order. Would not Mr Willis Bund agree with it? Mr Willis Bund No, certainly not. Mr Jin-ies. It is perfectly clear in the English language, Mr D. C. Roberts remarked that he would place it on the agenda for the next meeting. Major Price Lewes said it appeared to him that there was no distinct charge against the Caief Constable. He thought it was only right that ho should give an explanation. Mr D. C. Roberts said that he desired them to go into it; he was prepared. He thought it only right that they should go into the matter. Major Price Lewos I think he should hava & chance to give an explanation. Mr Morgan Evans said he could not make out how he could get the money. The system was to blame. The Rev J. M. Griffiths said there were less prisoners, and as a matter of course the estimate exceeded the amount required. Mr Morgan Evans How often is his salary paid? The Clerk: Monthly. Mr Szlumper was asor.t to ask a question, but Me Morgan Evans called him to order, as there was a. question before the committee that had not beea answered. Mr J. W. Szlumper said that from the reports ha had read, he considered it to be very wrong- from the beginning, and he anticipated a warmer meeting that day, but it had turned out to be happier than he expected (laughter). As long as he was their than he expected (laughter). As long as he was their officer their wishes, whether right or wrong, should be carried out. He also considered Mr Roberts was to blame for having signed the order without knowing the details, After some further remarks on this subject, Mr Peter Jones moved the following resolution That a sub-committee be appointed to consider the expedi- ency of drawing up orders with regard to the disposi- tion and government of the police fore." aud, if thsy shall think it expedient, to draw up and submit to tne council draft orders for their approval." Mr Willis Band seconded the proposition. This was agreed to. It was aLe:, decided that the present finance com- mit, eH should form the sub-committee. Mij T Price Lawes Has the chief constable any explan 1 tion to give ? the Chairman: I understood that he made ast apology at the finance committee. Major Price Lewes: Does he desire to give an. explanation. Major Bassett Lewis explained that it was usual I to pay r he officers and constables mon:hly, therefore he took his cheque in the ordinary course. It Waa- not on account of any disrespect to the committer. It was merely to conduct the business in the ordinary way. The matter then dropped. THE CHIEF CONSTABLE'S ESTIMATE, Major Bassett Lewis presented his estimate for- I the quarter ending March 31st, the amount being X890 2s 6d. Mr Maddy proposed, and Mr J. M. Howelt seconded, tiiat the esti nate be adopted. Mr D. C. Roberts having sugge-ted th-t the accounts be examined monthly by the nuance co unjitt.ee, it was agreed t'. QUARTS ii SESSIONS AND THE P" LICK. The lerk s-ud he had been te i by the chair- man of Quart s S- -<50 >us to phuv; the f Lowing notion on the aueuda— i- d-r tne request of ihe eou fc of Quarter <c.i, ih*t this committe- >houi 1 re a t. generally upoa the ktat'j s>iid .«tSc eacy of the polios lorce." The consideration f tho matter was deferred till !he next oiie iug.. PLACE" OF MEETING. Major Pri\?e Le^es, on behalf of Mr Thomas Thomas Biaeu-porth moved that the summer meet. ing- should b., held at Aber.iyron. Mr J. M. Howell seconded the motion, but no decJ-i01 J was arrived at. The Rev J. M. Griffiths proposed that the April meeting be bold at, Lampeter This was seconded by Mr Peter Jones, anl agree 1 to. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr Willis Buud gave notice that he would at the n«xt meeting move a. resolution refe g to the police stations and cells." VO ICE CLOTHING, The tenders for pohce clothing were referred the tinanee cemm ttei*. This ended th b win ^s, the c3mmittee h* irjj MA until it was nearly i ;n.e for the departure of the trains, at abon", f JIF o'clock.
GLANPAITH.
GLANPAITH. Mr J. Parry has given a present of half a ton of coal to (aJh of the VWt hou'-eholders of the neigh- bourhood, for wbt.h .y are very grateful. Oa Friday e.eni: g k M. P rrv also iravc a snpper tc. all his w^rkui-n ai G -ith. The health of Mr, Mrs nnd Mi Parry, and 'he children, were dr ink, and a rVasai t "¡¡b,, wa* »T'eot. Mrs Schmidt. Kt: Party's B stcr, has also sent several presents.