The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

ABERYrWYTH RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL, Monday, March 14th.—Present: Mr. Dl. Morris, Llanilar, chairman; the Rev. John Davies, Ceulanamaesmawr; Messrs. Edward Jones, Cwmrheldol; Wm. Morris, Cyfoethybrenin J. B. Morgan Cynnultmawr; Richd James, Henllys; M. D. Williams. Issayndre John Bonner, Llanafan; John Jones Llanbadarn Upper; James Jones, Llanbadarn Lower; W m. Mason, Llancynfelin; Evan Jones and D. Morgan, Llanfihangel Upper; Dl. Jones, Llangwyryfon; Wm. Davies Llanilar; E. Lewis, Llanrhystyd Haminiog; Dd. Jones, Llanychaiarn; Joseph Parry Melindwr; Richard Thomas, Tirymynach David James and Thos. James, Trefeirig; Hugn Hughes, clerk; E. Llewellin, assistant clerk; James Hughes, surveyor; Dd Davies and Morgan Edwards, surveyors. Devil's Bridge Road. Mrs. Waddingham, Hafod, wrote that she felt that she must ask the Council to look after the road from Devil's Bridge to Cwmystwvth. The stones had been thrown down anyhow and they were not broken as they should be, for they were far beyond the regulation size. Honestly and truthfully, it quite spoilea1 her pleasure to live there. Her new brougham with india-rubber tyres would be ruined. She was obliged to give up driving in it and the road by Mynach Board School to Hafod was nearly as bad as the other road. She was quite un- happy about it, but there was no use saying a word. The Road Surveyor would say that he did his best. His best was worthless. He could not mend a road nor see to one. His sight must be wretched, for he could see the huge stones at a distance. The road haé.' been badly repaired for a long time before the miners made use of it, but now she was shut out of everything beyond their drives and the roads to Ystrad Meurig and Ffair Rhos which were very good. Would the Clerk exert himself on their behalf ? She feared it would be of no use. Mr Lightfoot had tried, but if the road was allowed to continue in the same state her husband must employ a solicitor. When they paid heavy rates and taxes they expected some comfort. Mrs Waddingham trusted that she would be able to persuade the Coun- cil to give better roads they could drive over. -Mr. D. Morgan admitted, that heavy stones had been put on the road, but that was neces- sary owing to the heavy traffic which had been over it. The road was improving, however, although it was rather rought at present.— Mr J. B. Morgan pointed out that C81 had been spent last month as well as the previous month in repairing the road, which was more than had been spent in the three other divi- sions. He did not think the roads should be used as carriage drives, but believed that the Council were to be blamed to some extent for the state of the road. At the last meeting, they received' a report on the road from Mr Lightfoot who was not a member of the Coun- cil, and it would be the same if they allowed other gentlemen to report to the Council. He proposed that the Cletk should reply to Mrs Waddingham explaining the lenormous ex- pense already incurred by the Council on the road. For his own part, he did not think the Council had anything to complain of Mr and Mrs. Waddingahm. There was no need to fear if the Council were brought before a court of law. seeing the large sums spent on the road and he hoped- that the expenditure had now closed.—Mr Edward Jones seconded the pro- position and pointed out that the Council had asked Mr Lightfoot to meet the Committee when visiting the road and the Committee had also asked him to forward his own views to the Council, because they were at variance with the views held by the Committee. He suggested that the Clerk should explain that it would be impossible to make the road -st- able for carriage drives.—Mr Evan Jones and the Surveyor stated that there had been extraordinary traffic of timber on the road.- Thi proposition was agreed to. A Lodging House. The Chief Constable wrote enclosing a letter from Mr J. Weaver calling attention to an un- registered dwelling house at Llanerch, Taliesin -The Inspector reported that he had visited the house and found it a very poor one and kept in the most insannitary condition, quite unfit for habitation. The occupier knew nothing as to the registration of the house or the bylaws relating to common lodging-houses.—It was decided that the house should be closed unless the bylaws were com- plied with. Glanfread Road. Mr. J. B Morgan stated that the Committee appointed to visit Glanfread road had not met and there was no report to be presented.— On a notice of motion, the Rev. J. Davies moved that immediate steps should be taken to put the road in a proper state to be taken over by the County Council and maae a mam road.-The proposition was seconded by Air. Thos. James and carried and it was agreed that the County Surveyor should be invited to meet the Committee. Maesbangor Bridge. Mr. David Davies (surveyor) estimated the cost of erecting a bridge at Maesbangor at B92 and three tenders had been received for the supply of the iron work.—Mr Joseph Parry stated that the locality was preparea to contribute one-third of the cost. and it was decided to ask the County Council to approve the plans and subscribe an equal share. Inspector's Report. In his report, the Inspector said he had opened the drains in several places at Borth. He found them quite full and entirely blocked. Before any improvement could be effected the drains must be attended to and opened and all the cesspools thoroughly cleaned out. The old wooden troughing was blocked for thirty to forty yards. He estimated the cost of conveying the well to a convenient spot for school children at Trisant at about £ 17. A case of enteric fever was notified at Rhydy- pennau, the patient being an elderly man, seventv-five vears old. and two cases of scarlet C fever in the- southern division. The drain running through Caehalog from the roadside had been entirely blocked and the water re- mained an offensive nuisance. The brook would also be a source of nuisance during the summer months if not attended to and cleaned out properly in time.—It was agreed to ask the owners to clean out the cesspools at Borth and the question of the water supply at Tris- ant was referred to the Parish Council. Llanrhystyd Common. With reference to the alleged encroachment on Llanrhystyd Common, the Clerk said it would be necessary to obtain permission from the County Council before any action could be taken.—The Rev. John Davies proposed that steps should be taken, but an amendment was moved by Mr. Daniel Jones that the matter should be allowed to drop. Mr Jones said it would only mean waste of time and money to interfere in the matter.—On being put to the vote, the proposition was carried, six voting for the amendment. Parcel Canol. A letter was received from the Parcel Canol Parish Council recommending that the price for a team of horses working on the parish road should be increased from 8s. to 10s. a c>,ay. In reply to Mr. W. Morris, the Clerk said the Parish Council had nothing to do with the matter and they not only recommended but had decided to increase the price. (Laugh- ter .)-An application was read from the Par- ish Council for the erection of a bridge over the brook at Rhosgoch Farm.—On the pro- position of Air. Joseph Parrv. it was agreed to refer the matter back to the Parish Council as to whether they would no ptepared to con- tribute one-third of the cost. TOWN COUNCIL. Tuesday. March 15th— Present: Councillor Isaac Hopkins, mayor, presiding: Councillor F. H. James, ex- mayor; Aldermen Peter Jones, W. H. Pal- mer, and E. P. Wyne; Councillors Wil-j liams, Doughton. R. J. Jones. Wm. Thomas Samuel, Captain James, Daniel Thomas, J. Gibson, and T. H. Edwards; Messrs A. J. Hughes. town clerk; Charles Massey, deputy clerk; Rees Jones, borough surveyor; and H. L. Evans, borough accountant. A Loan. Mr. Edwards, referring to a loan accepted at the last meeting, asked if it was right for a member of the Corporation to have dealings of that kind with the Corporation? Alderman Jones-At three per cent? Mr. Wm. Thomas said he happened to be trustee for that small amount with his son and another relative and he was sure no one would grudge it if he were able to lend the town 92,000 or 93,000 at three per cent. The Beach. Mr. Frank H. Butler, Birmingham, wrote asking to be allowed to hold a religious ser- vice on the beach one Sunday in June and, on the proposition of Mr. Edwards, seconded by Mr. Williams, the application was granted. Mr Samuel said he did not object to those people in particular, but to allowing band, niggers, or anything to be on the Promenade or beach. Boats. The Town Clerk said that Mr. Hugh Jones, the inspector of boats, had sent him a lengthy report on his inspection of boats. He would forward the report to the local inspector and1 give notice to each proprietor calling atten- tion to the requirements as to repairs and otherwise. Cythraul Canu. The Town Clerk read the following letter from Mr. Jack Edwards, Great Darkgate? street;—"March 15th. Gentlemen,—I here- by desire to enter the most emphatic protest against certain tactics adopted by your com- mittee in dealing with the band question which I consider far from honourable and quite un- worthy of the public body under which it is called upon to serve." » Mr. Gibson-Any remarks? Mr. Williams—It is for the Committee. Mr. Wm. Thom,-is-With your permission I should like to say this. This has been a very delicate question and one requiring much con- sideration. Mr. Gibson-Cythraul canu. Mr. Wm. Thomas—We know the trouble we have been met with in years gone by and com- plaints regarding the arrangements. This year, a large number of co-optive members had been put on the Committee and have given full consideration of the matter and. personally, I do not think it mv duty and I do not feel capable at short notice to discuss the question that has been before the General Purposes Committee, including the co-opted members. I think it best to leave it to them. Mr. Gibson-I should like to say that Mr. Jack Edwards, in the first instance, was asked if he would agree to certain conditions laid down by the Corporation. He replied that he would take no dictation at all and the re- sult was that his application and terms could not be discussed. All I might add is that his letter read this morning is a most imper- tinent letter to send to a public body. Mr. Wm. Thomas asked if the contract with Mr. Rowe had been agreed upon ? The Town Clerk replied that the contract had been very carefully considered and ap- proved of both by Mr. Rowe and by the Com- mittee on behalf of the Corporation and was recommended for execution at that meeting of the Council. He had the same statement to make with regard to Mr. Gilbert Rogers. His contract was also ready for execution. Mr. R. J. Jones, chairman of the General Purposes Committee, having arrived during the discussion, Mr Jack Edward^ letter was again read. Mr Jones said he di -a not know it was necessary to add to what had been said by Mr. Gibson. He was very much surprised to see a letter of that kind from Mr. Jack Edwards, having regard to all the facts of the question. He could only repeat what he had already said and he did so without hesitation or fear of contradiction that it was the general desire of the General Purposes Committee and of the co-opted members that Mr. Jack. Ed- wards should have the appointment if it was possible to arrange with him. It was the de- sire of every individual member of the Com- mittee that Mr Edwards should have the first opportunity and when he said that he said everything that was requisite in answer'to that letter as far as Mr. ExJwards was concerned. With regard to tactics, he failed to under- stand what tactics the Committee had pursued in that matter. They not only gav3 Mr. Edwards every opportunity, but had gone out of the way to meet him and had interviewed' him on more than one occasion with the object of meeting him. If the Committee had done what any ordinary Committee would have done with the tender sent in by Mr. Edwards, they would at once have put it outside of any consideration, as Mr Eawards stated in the first instance that he was not prepared to comply with the Com- mittee's deliberate resolve as to the consti- tution of the band. If the Council only took that fact into consideration alone, at was sufficient to prove that the Committee were most anxious to meet him. If it had been anybody besides Mr. Jack Edwards, the Com- mittee would never have conceded that much or made any after attempt to arrange with him, as he would have been entirely out of court in not complying with the Committee's requirements. He was surprised that such a letter should have emanated from Mr. Jack Edwards, having regard to what the Com- mittee had done. It was audacious for any man to say that the Committee had not acted in the most honourable and straightforward way towards him. He was exceedingly sur- prised that anyone should write such a letter to the Town Council. He had been chairman of the Committee and it was his great desire to have the matter of the band settled in the most agreeable way and he had gone out of his way to attain that object. L nfortunatelv, however, Mr. Jack Edwards was unapproach- able as far as the constitution of the band was concerned. The Council had appointed co- optive members who had special knowledge of the requirements of the town in the matter of music and how best it should be provided in the circumstances. Those members had practi- cally the sole charge of the negotiations and decided upon certain instrumentation in order to secure the best possible result. If the Council had a committee of that kind and that committee honestly decided that certain con- ditions were essential, he said it was the duty of every bandmaster who desired to tender to comply with those conditions. If the Committee could not impose conditions, what was the use of having a committee at all? The Council when it renewed a lease attached certain conditions to renewal. But if the principle was adopted which some people wanted to adopt with regard to the band, any applicant for the renewal of a lease might say You must renew on conditions such as I desire and not what the Council desires in the general interests of the town." Mr. Edwards, by not complying with the conditions of the Committee, which were approved' by the Coun- cil, put himself entirely out of court and on that ground alone he (Mr. Jones) said em- phatically that he had no foundation whatever for sending a letter of that kind to the Coun- cil. Ir. Edwards thought that letter was dir- ected at him, as a letter to the same effect had appeared in the public press. He had not replied to it as it did not touch upon what was done in committee. The Com- mittee decided to have a band to play morning and evening and that recommendation was confirmed bv the Council. After that. the Committee had nothing to do with a band for the evening only. Mr. Edwards's tender was the cheapest for the evening only. He sup- ported Mr. Edwards to the last, notwithstand- ing he was unwilling to adopt the suggestion of the Committee. He was Mr. Edwards's strongest supporter on the Committee, but when it came to a question of economy.—a question of £ 4 a week and L84 for the season between Mr. Edwards's tender and Mr. Rowe's tender, he certainly voted for what he con-' sidered to be the cheapest and most suitable band. In the after part of the meeting, Mr. R. J. Jones brought up the report of the Enter- tainments Committee, recommending the exe- cution of agreements with Mr. Rowe and Mr. Gilbert Rogers for the provision of a band and ar minstrel troupe for the summer season and the recommendations were adopted. It was also agreed to invite tenders for the printing of band programmes, the printer to have right to insert advertisements on the. front page around the programme, reserving the back for a town advertisement. In moving the recom- mendation, Mr Jones stated that Mr. Rowe had more applications than vacancies in the band and that the band was formed. The Cemetery. The Town Clerk stated that. without, men- tioning any names a complaint had been made to him by a gentleman in Aberystwyth who said that on a certain day within the past week or so a grave was robbed of flowers in the Cemetery. (" Shame.") He thought the Council would say it was a case that certainly ought to be taken notice of and proceedings taken if the evidence justified proceedings. Mr. Gibson—Do you know enough to take proceedings ? The Town Clerk replied in the affirmative, adding that if the evidence came up to the report made to him it was clearly a case where the fact could be proved conclusively. Mr. Gibson did not think the Council need have any fine feelings for a person who robbed a grave. Proceedings should at once be taken. Mr. Samuel said he would' second the pro- position to proceed if the Town Clerk deemed it advisable after going into the evidence. The Town Clerk said he could not guarantee the evidence, but if he found there was a bona fide case he would proceed. Mr. Edwards proposed that it should' be referred to the Works Committee acting as the Burial Board. The Town Clerk saying the whole Council was the Burial Board, Mr. Wm. Thomas asked the Council not to hesitate over a matter of that kind and the Town Clerk was directed to proceed if he found a bona-fide case. The Assembly Rooms. The Town Clerk said he had had an. inter- view with Mr. Loxdale, representing the Nanteos Estate, with regard to certain por- tions of the Assembly Rooms which were still stated to be not repaired in compliance with the covenant of the lease. They went over the premises and in order to effect a friendly settlement it was suggested that the Surveyor should have his attention called to the points and asked to report to the Council. Mayor's Auditor. The Town Clerk stated that the Mayor ap- pointed Mr .T. H. Edwards as his auditor, but as he had declined to act. the vacancy must be filled in another way. Mr. Williams—The Mayor must nominate another. The Town Clerk—Yes, if there are no vol- unteers. Mr. Edwards explained that he objected to holding any formal appointment of that sort. Pen Dinas. The Town Clerk stated that Mr Edward Powell had fixed Wednesday to meet the Foot- paths Committee relative to footpaths on Pen Dinas. Public Works Committee. The Works Committee recommended that the ordnance survey of the borough should be revised at a cost of £150. The application of Mr D. Phillips for the erection of a coachhouse in Bath-street and the protest by owners and occupiers of houses against it were considered and the Committee recommended that per- mission to erect should be refused. Plans by Messrs Owens Bros of two houses in Cambrian- street and a plan by Mr. David Samuel of two houses for High-street were approved. The Committee irecommended that tenders should be invited for fifty seats for the new Promenade of similar design to the present seats. The Committee visited the Harbour on March 5th and instructed the Town Clerk to ask Mr Walmisley whether, assuming the stone filling were raised as suggested by him, it would be necessary to provide additional woodwork to secure it. Proceeding to the Castle, the Committee recommended that four recesses should be provided on the soutn-west- ern side of the Castle, similar to those being constructed on the western side. The report was adopted. Alderman Jones pointing out that it was important to have the ordnance survey made in order to show the boundaries of the Corporation property and the survey would be cheaper and more re- liable when done by the Government than :t+. the Corporation did it themselves. Harbour. Captain James brought up the report of the Harbour Committee, recommending the payment of wages and bills and the report was adopted. Finance Committee. The Finance Committee recommended the following payments:—Town Department, £226 Os. 5d water works. £35 3s. Id Harbour 2s. 6d. Burial Board. £5 15s. 9d. borough fund, £9 9s. 3d. Public Library, JB72 7s 11; Promenade Extension. JB86 17s 8d; workmen's houses, J68 Os. 6d; and harbour loan, JB6; total, £502 17s. Id. The draft agreement with Mr. J. H. Rowe for providing a town band' for the season was approved. The Town Clerk was instructed to obtain sanction to raise JB500 to complete the purchase of the lime kiln premises in Trefechan. The Com- mittee reported that Mrs Jones had agreed to surrender the tenancy of the camera ob- scura on payment of £20. Alderman Palmer thought the B500 for the lime kilns would be thrown away and hopeo1 the money would not be paid over before a loan was obtained. He was told that no deposit was paid and that the contract was not bind- ing. The Town Clerk and Mr. Williams said there was a contract to buy and sell in existence and the purchase was to be completed by the 12th May, 1904. Mr. Williams added that when the lime kilns were secured, the Corporation would have all the property up to the railway bridge and would be able to improve that approach to the town. Alderman Palmer proposed that the money should not be paid until a loan was obtained. Mr. Gibson said he should like to know what the Council was discussing? The paragraph in the report instructing the Town Clerk to obtain a loan was clear. The Town Clerk, in reply to Mr. Gibson, said the contract between the Corporation and the owners was binding and no deposit was necessary but he had no doubt the owners would extend the time on which payment was to be made until the loan was obtained. Mr. R. J. Jones proposed that that should be done, and Mr. Edwards seconding it, the recommendation was adopted, and the Clerk was directed to write to the owners A Harbour Wall. Mr. Gibson said he should like to ask a question respecting a wall which was being put up in the inner channel at the Harbour aä- joining the steamer wharf. Was it a dry wall ? The Surveyor—Yes. Mr. Gibson- Who is that wall being put up by? The Surveyor—By the Corporation. Mr. Gibson—Who are the men employed on the work ? Are they masons ? The Surveyor—No. Mr. Gibson-Are they carpenters? The Surveyor—They are labourers. Mr. Gibson—Is the wall sunk to the bed of the river or put on the surface? The Surveyor—Sunk to the level as recom- mended in my report. Mr. Gibson—I do not know what that was. Is it sunk to the level of the river ? Mr. Doughton—It could not be done. Mr. Gibson—Is the wall likely to topple over if there is any backwash ? The Surveyor-I do not think so. Mr Gibson—It is said that it is being put up by persons who are not masons and not sunk to the bed of the river. The Surveyor—They are not carpenters, un- less they have been assisting from the other side. Mr. Gibson-My only point is that the wall is not being built by masons and not sunk to the level of the river. Mr. Doughton—That could not be done. Mr. Gibson—I am not asking you questions. The Souvenir. The question of the Souvenir was discussed at some length. The Committe d'esired to have fifteen new vies of the town and dis- trict. but owing to difficulties and delay which would occur in getting over them and the need for getting out the Souvenir as soon as possible, it was agreed to re-issue/the Souvenir with the same views as last year. The Town Clerk stated that over 4.000 were sent out last year, and the supply becoming exhausted, soecial circulars had to be printed apologizing for inability to send copies. The Committee were authorized to negotiate for the suonlv of 5,000. Mr. Eff wards said a desire had been expressed by the Committee to have a certain number printed on lighter paper with lighter covers in order to avoid cost of nostage which now cost ld. each; but the publisher did not feel inclined to depart from his contract or to identify himself with a cheaper form of Sou- venir. Public Lighting. Mr. Wm. Thomas brought up the report of the Public Lighting Committee which recom- mended that the Gas Company and the Elec- tric Light Company should be asked to tender for the lighting for three years of the new Promenade and that the Surveyor should be instructed to obtain designs of suitable lan- terns and columns. Mr Thomas added that stronger lights might be placed in front of the College and arrangements made for reduced light during the winter months, as was done on the Marine-terrace. Mr Edwards thought the companies should be asked to tender for maintenance as well as for lighting and extinguishing. The Council's experience on the North Parade was not good in respect of maintenance of the incandescent light, for half the time there was no mantles. Mr. R. J. Jones said the Gas Company had nothing to do with that. It was a question for the Council whether they would go to the expense. Hitherto, the Gas Company hau1 undertaken the work at their own expense. Mr. EHwards said that was why he wanted it made clear in the contract; and the Town Clerk replied that all those things would be provided for in the specifications on which tenders would be invited. The report was adopted. Walls and Groynes. Mr. Doughton moved that the retaining wall at the north ena' of the Hostel should be con- nected with the sea wall; that a groyne should be erected from the northern bastion on Vic- toria-terrace to low water mark and that a Case groyne should be erected from low water mark from a point opposite the second bas- tion north of the Queen's Hotel for half the distance between that point and the bastion. Alderman Jones and Mr. Williams said it was recommended that the sea wall should be connected as proposed, but it was stated that the recommendation had not been included in the report to the Council. Alderman Jones said it was a question whether a Case groyne would be suitable, as it was suitable for shal- lower beaches. It was understood that the sea wall would be connected with the Hostel wall and the other propositions were referred to the Works Committee in order to consider the best method to adopt. Medical Officer's Report. Mr. Samuel said he wished to draw atten- tion to the Meaical Officer's report which had not been before the Works Committee. The report contained matters that ought to be thoroughly discussed. There were ,some things in it that he did not quite understand. The Medical Officer said there were some houses at Penparke which were scarcely fit for habitation. The question was— are they fit or are they not fit ? If they were not fit, they ought to be condemned. He also referred to an open sewer. He did not recollect the Medical Officer drawing atten- tion to that before. If he had drawn the at- tention of the Sanitary Committee to it. the Committee would have passed some resolution with regard to it. Reference was also made to the isolation hospital. A committee had been appointed to go into that matter and it was time the Council should hear something from the Committee with regard to it. It was important that the Council should discuss the report thoroughly and he proposed that a special meeting should be held to consider it. Mr Gibson said that what he felt with re- gard to the report was that at the last meet- ing the adoption of the report was included in a certain number of items in regard to which Mr. Peter Jones said I will move the remainder." Alderman Jones—Wre received the report. Mr. Gibson added that that was how the the Council had taken no notice of the Medical Officer's report. Mr. Peter Jones said then that the whole proceedings were a farce be- cause a particular thing was not done that he wanted done and' he said I will move the re- mainder." That was how the Medical Officer's report had slipped him. He really was taken in. for in the remainder was that very serious Medical Officer's report. He wanted to make that explanation because he thought the report ought to have been dealt with at the previous meeting. There was the ques- tion of the isolation hospital. That was a most serious question-a question that had been hanging fire for the past three or four years. He had asked about it in November. He had asked about it in January—he had asked about three times altogether. They had the Chairman of the Committee present, he supposed, and' might get to know from him how the matter stood. It seemed to him that the Committee was most isolated. Mr. R. iJ. Jones-Who is the chairman ? Mr. Gibson—That is what I want to know. Who is the chairman? Are you not the chairman ? Mr. R. J. Jones—No; but you looked at me as if it might be. Mr. Gibson—Cannot we get to know where the question is now ? The Town Clerk said there was a meeting of the Sanitary Sub-Committee that afternoon. Mr. Gibson asked if the Sub-Committee would deal with the bylaws of the town ? What about the bylaws? Might he be allowed to ask if there were any bylaws in existence? The Town Clerk—Oh yes. The original by- laws are still in operation. There are further bylaws now in the Press, having been sanc- tioned by the Local Government Board. They have to go through a certain form, but the old ones are in operation until the new ones are substituted. Mr Gibson—I should like to know whether under the old bylaws the Inspector is em- powered when a person makes a complaint about manure to compel its removal? The Town Clerk—Yes, quite apart from the bylaws in dealing with any nuisance, whether manure or not, there is a very simple method. Mr. Gibson—Then the Inspector is wrong when he says he has no power? The Town Clerk—There is nothing in the bylaw, but in the Public ETealth Act there is ample power to deal with any nuisance. Mr Gibson—So the person who has been told that there is no remedy is misinformed ? The Town Clerk—Is most misinformed. Alderman Jones said the best pro')f that the Inspector did not take that view fas •'hat he acted upon the Act. Proceedings had been taken under it scores and scores of tinus. The Town Clerk also said it was inconsis- tent with the action of the Inspector who had reported cases to him and they had been dealt with under the Act. Mr W. Thomas said that no one should bring a statement simply'on hearsay. As had been pointed out, the Inspector had for years acted on those lines and he (Mr. Thomas) was almost positive that the information given to Coun- cillor Gibson must be wrong. He did not doubt Mr. Gibson, but the information could not be right, as the Inspector had acted to the contrary for years. Alderman Jones said he would second' Mr. Samuel's proposition that the report should be referred to committee of the whole Council. With regard to the isolation hospital, the Com- mittee had suggested about a dozen sites, but the difficulty met with in every instance was that the owners of the property were not wil- ling that his property should be used for the purpose. If any member of the Council could assist the Committee in that matter he hoped that member would bear it in mind. There was a difficulty in getting a site without com- pulsory powers and the putting into force those powers was a very slow and tedious process. The Medical Officer's report was then re- ferred to committee of the whole Council to meet specially to consider it. The Abstract of Accounts. Mr. Gibson said he saw that the Council had now the Abstract of Accounts. He called attention to the matter at the last meeting and asked a certain question with reference to the abstract and received an an- swer which implied that the work was not got out by the printer. He should now like to ask whether, at the last meeting when he asked the question, the whole of the copy was in the hands of the printer or not ? Mr. Wm. Thomas feared he was responsible in a way for the impression upon Mr. Gibson's mind. He certainly took it for granted that the delay rested' with the printer and put the question to the Accountant and made a remark to that effect, being under that impression. Since then, he found that the material was not in the hands of the printer and he was glad of the opportunity of correcting that im- pression. It was done by him wholly unin- tentionally and1 he was afraid the impression on Mr. Gibson's mind was occasioned by the remark he made. Mr. Gibson said he had asked the question at three distinct Council meetings from the Borough Accountant and had no reply at all. He found now that even at the last meeting of the Council, held on the 1st of March, nearly twelve months after the abstract should have been completed, that the copy was not all in the hands of the printer. Mr. R. J. Jones—Never mind. you have the abstract now. Mr. Gibson—Yes, but it is no good now. Next Meeting. As the date of the next meeting falls on a bank holiday, it was agreed to hold the meet- ing on Wednesday after the bank holiday. Mr. Williams, remarking that not much business was done when the Council met in an afternoon and it was agreed to hold the meeting in the morning, Alderman Jones re- marking that there was not much business now done at petty sessions. They had not even a case "of chimney firing. (Laughter) The Council then went into committee. PETTY SRSSIONS. Wednesdav. March 16th. Before Isaac Hopkins. mayor John Wat- kins, and Thomas Griffiths. Esqrs. Milk Cases.—Richard Jones. Bristol House, was charged by Superintendent Phillips with having sold milk from which eight per cent of the milk fat had been abstracted and one per cent of water added.—As defendant wished to employ an advocate, the case was adjourned for a week.—Jenkin Jenkins. Buildings, Llan- badarn Fawr, was also charged with selling milke adulterated with seven per cent of added water.—Defendant appeared and denied the offence.—Sergeant Jones proved the case and Superintendent Phillips produced the analysts's certificate.—Lizzie Morgan, servant in the employ of defendant, said she milked some of the cows on February 20th.—There was no water in the can before the milk was put in.—Defendant was fined J31 and costs. Dog Licenses.—James Ellis. Princess-street. Wm. H. Palmer, Queen's Hotel, Ebenezer Jones, 1, Portland-street, Robert Doughton, Great Darkgate-street. Anne Davies, 2, Pen- glaise-road, J. G. P. Wemyss, Fountain Inn, Wm. Jones, 1. Spring-gardens. David James, 3. Green Garden-cottages, and Wm. Lewis, 1 Penrhancor, were fined Is. and costs, except- ing Wm. Lewis (2s. 6d.) who did not appear, for keeping dogs without licences. Drunk and Disorderly.—George White, St. John's-buildings, John Lewis, Portland-road. and John Williams,. Moor-lane wera charged at having been drunk and disorderly' on March 12th.—George White appeared and de- nied the offence.—P.C. Mathias said he saw de- fendant in Terrace-road drunk and very dis- orderly. He was cursing and swearing and fighting with some other man.—Defendant said he never saw the policeman.—Defendant's wife said he was not drunk.—Fined 2s 6d including costs.—The defendant Lewis ad- mitted the offence and was fined 2s. 6d. includ- ™g.,?.osts-—The case was proved by Sergeant Phillips.—The defendant Williams also ad- mitted the offence and was fined 2s. 6d. includ- ing costs.—The case was proved by P.C. H O Jones.

MEDICAL OFFICERS REPORTS. ABERYSTWYTH. + i I)ll- medical officer of health for re boioug.i, in his annual report for 1903 h-frl6*5 |lat WlLh t^ie Sanitary Inspector he had made systematic house to house insnec eraTsanitar. 6 Wh°le f°Und ^donees of gen- eral fximtaiy improvement. Once more how tions of iiefechan, more especially Fount i in Court. Spring Gardens, and the riv adjoining bpring Gardens, had been subieet of many previous reports and its satisf.icLO! v state was well known to ail mem- + ;~rSj °- In his opinion njpr;.c- demloliSSS0V^6nt-rl,-ld efetcti demolition, the widening of the courts mrew/'°rkmg men's dwellings .-ected -.f which there was still a great demand he condition of the streets during the ve-ir w-ts t0 'he c™tinual cutting i p by lighting companies .md abnormal rain- fall. More lime and sod should te used n, covering the town refuse and ,f that -.vaVnot done the Council would be obliged to obt a" proper destructor. Now manholes hnd b" n flushed "IT8' Sysft6n-i,t,<I1.v cleansed and 11/ ,D ams from some of the houses fnt?6 v.0" i part of the J3uarth pi ssed sewer Th ('1 ,r' -3 aewer J he sewage was relatively small to the volume of water and was not hkely rise to any ill effects; la.t peihaps 'it would iSed t(\ h'T thv ,k covered and venti- lated. An intermittent 5upply .,f varer m the houses; on some of the higher portions of the town occurred and a scheme ought to be de vised to make the supply constant. TwenH- eight cases of infectious diseases were notified 19 ?n°?qm ™th 55 l",15?2' 116 in 1901' and 19 in igoo. They included 17 of scarlet fever 4 lacial erysipelas, 2 of enteric fever 2 of diph' thena, and 3 of smallpox. Nearly half of the cases, were introduced by visitors. The small-. cases ° of which occurred in unvac- uinted persons) were successfully isolated it the hospital at Penro. The hospital was un, TuthorVvnf r strongly urged the Local Authority for eleven yerrs to provide sufficient- and proper hospital accommodation. The .lublie Works Committee had been asked to report to the Council, but, beyond inspecting sites, no progress had been made with that important question. He stated once more that a proper hospital was essential to the prosperity of the town as an educational centre and health resort and should receive immedi- ate and practical consideration. The birth rate-24.3--was the highest ever registered at Aberystwyth and the death rate was 18.3 on the normal population of 8,013, or 16.8 after deducting the deaths of fifteen visitors Twen- ty-nine died under one year, 51 between 25 and 65, and Be over 65. The rate of infant mortality, 149, as compared with 132 for Eng- land and Wales, should be very much lower considering the slight amount of diarrhoeal complaints. There were only three deaths from zymotic diseases during the year (one from measles and two from diarrhoea), which was equivalent to an annual zymotic death rate of .37, which was an exceptionally low figure and one which bore favourable testi- mony to the sanitary condition of the town. Sixteen deaths were due to consumption and seven to other tubercular lesions. Hence it was evident that tubercular affections plaved a far too important a factor in the death rate. Deaths from bronchitis and. pneumonia reached a total of 22, ten to disease of the heart and heart failure; and nine were attri- buted to malignant disease. Dr. Thomas concluded by giving tho average results for nine years of the daily metereological read- ings taken at Aberystwyth. The average temperature was 51.0 with a range of 9.6 de- grees only. Relative humidity was 80 per cent. average number of frosty days each year 24; sunless days, 54; total hours of sunshine each year, 1.476; and average rainfall by Castle Gauge 27.3. In 1903 the range of tem- perature was 9.1, number of frosty days, 20; sunless days, 61; total hours of sunshine. 1,558 16 minutes; and rainfall, 36.42 inches; the rainfall being exceptionally heavy last year all over the country. Those statistics, he added, proved that Abervstwyth had a very equable moist climate. The equality of temperature extended throughout the year and the winter temperature approached.. that of the South Coast health resorts. There was also a consi- derable amount of sunshine recorded during the winter months. The. climate was very suitable for convalescents in recruiting their health and strength. The many natural ad- vantages which the town possesses as n winter resort should be further supplemented by tho erection of shelters, recreation grounds, etc. ABERYSTWYTH RURAL DISTRICT. In his annual report for the southern divi- sion, Dr. J. Arthur Rees, medical officer, said the population was 6,031. There were 1,438 inhabited houses, giving an average number of 4.2 persons per house. The number of births registered was 101, 48 males and 53 females., a decrease of 21 compared with 1902. The number of deaths was 103, 49 males and 54 females, an increase of 6 compared with 1902. The mortality of infants was 21 against 11 in 1902, giving the high rate' of 207 per 1,000 births, against 84 per 1,000 for 1902. Such a high death rate was most exceptional for the district and he could not satisfactorily account for it. The deaths of persons 65 years of age and upwards was 34 per cent. against 47.4 per cent. in 1902. Phthisis and respiratory diseases each claimed 23 victims, or in other words nearly half the deaths were due to those two causes and two out of every nine deaths were due to phthisis. Eeight deaths were due to cancer against 13 in 1902. Only eight deaths were attributed to heart disease against 13 in the previous year. Not much significance could, however, be attached to those figures, as the groat majority of per- sons whose deaths were attributed to this cause were advanced in years and heart trou- ble was often only one of the chief indications of a general deterioration of the constitution. Zymotic diseases did not prevail very exten- sively. There were only six cases notified against twenty-five the previous year, and in- cluded one' case each of scarlet fever, erysipe- las, typhoid fever, puerperal fever, and two of diphtheria. Measles was not a notifiable disease in the district, though, in his opinion, it should be included in the list as it was highly infectious and often had complications and sequetae of grave import. During the latter months of the year, the unwelcome disease, whooping cough, appeared in the parishes of Llanafan and Llanfihangel Upper. It was still raging there and he was of opinion that it would soon spread to the adjoining parishes and become general. A few new dwelling- houses were erected, some of which were of a substantial character and almost perfect from a sanitary point of view. On the other hand there were grounds for believing that other houses were built palpably at variance with the plans and specifications. Unfortunately there was no recognised official to supervise the erection of new houses with the result that the bylaw was practically a dead letter.

i. A W w A aL V:' W A ■*<. If you have not tried it Buy a new 6d tin, You will get 25 cups out of it and enjoy every cup. BEST & GOES F ARTI-IEST.

PENLLWYN Elections.—No election took place here for the County Council. Mr. J. Parry, Troedrhiw- lwba, had a walk in. He has been a member for six years and he is a thorough progressive. It seems likely there will be an election for th Board of Guardians and District Council. There is a splendid chance for some useful young men to enter this time and make a mark.

Fels-Naptha Two years ago, some thought our 810neyback terms were dangerous. We have returned £ 1 3 6-ti, through grocers, and grocers' postage 092 12 8i Go by the book. Fels-Naptha 39 Wilson street London E C High-class Notepaper, Envelopes, and every Requisite in that department for pro sional and Business Men GO TO THE CAMBRIAN NEWS" OFFICE

A CARDIGANSHIRE BREACH OF PKOMiSM ACTION. A breach of promise action was. heard at Glamorgan Assizes on Tuesday (before Mr. Justice Phillimore) in which Annie Wiiiiams, us 1 e b th d John of Tanysgwylfa, near Aberystwyth, sued John Jones, of Brynglas, near Aberystwyth, for damages. Mr. Ivor Bowen (instructed by Mr T. Milward, Pentre), was for plaintiff, and Mr Arthur Lewis (instructed by Mr. T. J. Hughes, Bridgend), for defendant. Mr. Bowen, in opening the case, said both parties were in very respectable positions. The plaintiff was a young woman of thirty-one, who liad been living for some years with her mo- ther, who owned a small freehold holding. John Jones lived on the adjoining holding, where he worked during the summer and during the winter mado money as a collier in the Hhm- dda Valley. He was a man of means, having saved money, and was now the owner of the holding which his parents had before him. The plaintiff alleged that a definite promise was made on December 6, 1902, to marry her in the following July, which was harvest time in tMM-diganshu-e. On the 9th or July, i903, he re- fused to marry her. He admitted the pro- mise, but now pleaded that be was willing to many tho plaintiff, but that she was not will- ing to marry him, and had refused to do so. in the alternative, he said that the agree- ment to marry was mutually rescinded before the alleged breach. The Judge—If she wants to marry him and lie wants to marry her, why don't they do so? J Mr Bowen-I think it was only when he got into the hands of his solicitors that he dis- played a desire to marry her. The only love- letters in the case are those written by the defendant s solicitor. (Laughter.) He goes from the courts of common law toahe court of Hymen; so you can tell what imagination was used on behalf of this young man who could not write a love letter. The courtship, Mr. Bowen went on, commenced about five vears ago, and there was an arrangement that he was to marry her about two and a half years ago at Aberystwyth. The courtship was re- newed in December, 1902, and the promise was made The couple came to Cardiff together '™Idfen4ant feht a *^ding ring which he ^ave to Mrs. Williams. Some time before July plamtiq began to prepare for the mar- thfqtT f iUg, cl"thes and furniture. On the 9th of July, 1903. m Cardiganshire he broke off the engagement. In the presence of witnesses he said he would never have any- thing more to do with her. He would not he ?'antcfi to have ring son wW:^ °Wt«ViVOUld Sh°w that the rea" The nhintiff'0 !0 °?, le engagement was this. f-s brotll?rs were all working in Glamorganshire, earning good wages. Durin°- 2Luh& tthirss'-t!s,.h?od Ttkhmg+in W Wales -d^S^M of the two holdings. She spoke to her fW?1' n latter did not comply and he loin Til SUf+g,ested the mothe/vS no" for L h Pl°?Lrt}\ Upon her daughter £ j benefit of the defendant. Finally, when defendant saw he could not get the pro- the fit'l, f 11° \he engagement. rom U £ u ly untl1 the 18th of December al- ho^dimr if WaS StlU llVmg 011 the adjoining holding he never went near there, never in- the'Sh T^' u' an £ nover wr°te to her. On the 13th December she went to a solicitor who wrote a letter to Maesteg, where defei- dant was working, which was returned through the Dead Letter Office. On the loth of De- cember a writ in this action was served. Mr. Bowen contended that it was only when this "nth- Sei'Ved. tHat- defendant set up the plea of his great anxiety to marry the girl whom he had neglected in July and with whom month Th lUd °f ,;elat!onshlP several him V R walwh.Y she could not marry from Mr ? rea<? extracts of letters thTth Hu|heS' m which he that the affair might reach this hannv con- ln the Court of Hymen in- stead of the Court of Law." (Laughter.) hS-p' + V would be better for us mESS; »"wo,Mr"1 the mattcr iZrrSlertV" assistance of she had knnffn° Tac,tedTa« interpreter. She said f 1 rnon n J °hn J ones always." They ^w,v.??,R-TPryt,0r years'and "hi always talked about getting married." He promised to marry her and it was agreed that. 25 1901°UJnrl8h t0 Aber:vfw.yth in September 40, 1901 and be married bv licence. short time before however, she met him at the fair and asked if he intended to marry her He replied, Do you think I am goiL to hrJZk my mother's heart?" He never s^d whv his mothei- was not willing for him to marry her was onoosed tnf^ n<? i ^DOW that his mother wJrdf Phf weddwS- Some time after ™ f led her,to > out with him sumeVhAi sh0 agreed to forgive him and re- m- rrv relationship. He then agreed to cW\o f and in Ju»e they PhinHff n 1 together and he bought a ring. l,nrnn LP' UCed/r°m a jeweller's cardboard i orainar.y plain gold wedding ring De- endant asked to coax her mother to give her son w-!<TV'n mother said &e would if her he renLY f^l WT°te t0 the latter< bllt he replied that he was not willing, and so her to mln-y'lw Atter 'hat def=ndant to marry th° °aSe Was ^ned until The case was resumed on Wednesdav when plaintiff was examined at length. The de- fendant, in his evidence, said he offered Miss Williams marriage in December. 1902. They subsequenly had a quarrel, but everything was made up. One night at the end of June, she said her mother was going to fence a pieco of land that belonged to Brynglas. Witness refused to have anything to "do with the fenc- ing, because it was not onthe boundary. replied, If you don't join with us in doing this, I will never talk to you." He walked with her towards the house and tried to her to talk, but she would not speak and. finally, near the house, she told him to go from the house; she would never talk to hUll again. At that time, Jane. Williams cam" up. After this, witness remained at Bryngl^s until November. He saw the plaintiff often and tried to get her to talk to him, but she would not have anything to do with him- He denied that he was ever jealous of ttf«> young men or anyone else. He was still fond of Miss Williams. Mr. Lewis-Are you ready to marry her? Witness-I can't say now this has ha pened; it has made things rather unhappJ"' He wras ready, he went on, to marry her 0# January 16th, when, with a friend, he went to see her at Treorky. Vil- By Mr. Bowen—He never asked Miss ^1 liam to coax her mother to settle the faI £ upon her. There was never a word said a^,<?ll4 being married at Aberystwyth. He den1^ that he had ever asked plaintiff to return t*1 ring. Thomas Jones, defendant's brother, ■ John Morgan (the friend of the Treorky dent) gave evidence. The jury gave a verdict for defendant a e the Judge, remarking that he agreed, judgment accordingly..

the The nomination for the vacancy inj.Tv- Rossendale Division was fixed for Tues Mr Lewis Vernon Harcourt (Liberal) was only candidate proposed and he was deda elected.

He suggested the appointment of a compe- tent person for the post, whose duty would be to insist that the plans and specifications were rigidly adhered to. It was by the adop- tion of such measures only that they could hope to effect any improvement on the damp and badly ventilated houses, which at present abounded in the district. A great improve- ment had been effected in the purification process of the effluent from the Frongoch lead mines, which was discharged to the river Ystwyth. It seemed a pity that steps were not taken earlier to abate the nuisance as the load had proved very destructive to vegetation in the district through which the river flowed. A tent ion had been repeatedly drawn to the defective water supplies at Pontllanio, Pen- trebont, Llanilar Llanrhystyd, Figure Four, Capel Sion, Cwmystwyth, Trisant, and Llan- fihangel y Creuddyn. It was to be regretted that such a large number of persons in the prime of life should yearly fall victims to consumption. As that disease was undoubt- edly preventable and in its incipient stage, at least curable. It behoved the Council to do everything in their power to counteract its ravages and eventually it was to be hoped stamp it from the land. How could that end be achieved ? By the general diffusion of knowledge as to tho cause, nature, means of propagation, and treatment of the disease. The pamphlets dealing with the subject which the Council had wisely decided to distribute in the district would have a beneficial effect, as also would the sanitorium which was about being erected at Llanybyther. The number of persons who could be treated at the institution would necessarily be small owing to the limited accommodation. A pro- posal which, if generally adopted, would have important and far reaching results, was that every child in the elementary schools should obtain instruction in the rudiments of the sim- ple laws of health and temperance. He urged on the Council the necessity of securing an isolation hospital and disinfecting apparatus, and also drew attention to the importance of enforcing the bylaws regarding the rc'gistra- tion and licensing of slaughter houses. For the northern division Dr. John James (medical officer), presented his annual report and said the population was 7,425. and the dis- trict contained 2,300 dwelling-houses having an average population of 3.2 persons per house. The number of children born was 214, 104 boys and 110 girls, a rate of 28.8 per thousand com- pared with the rate of 22 for the previous ten years. The number of deaths was 140, con- sisting of an equal number of males and fe- males. This was considerably below the aver- age for the preceding ten years, which was 155. The adults of the population emigrated to South Wales and big towns to get work and when old age and infirmity prevented them from following their employment re- turned to their native places. That was proved by the fact that 59 of the deaths were of per- sons above 65 years, 49 over 70 years of age, and one-seventh beyond 80 years. The mor- tality of infants under one year of age was 16. That was satisfactory, and gave a rate of 74 per 1,COO of births compared with 118 for rural England and Wales. The four chief causes of deaths were the same-as those in previous years, namely, consumption, respir- atory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. There was a great diminution in the number of deaths from consumption compared with pre- vious years and the district was exceptionally free from infectious disease, only twenty-one cases being notified, including 14 scarlet fever, and five diphtheria. Dealing with the out- break of diphtheria, he said Lewis-terrace, Llanbadarn, was most unfortunately situated. It was between two enemies. In front was the water course or Fullbrook and he believed it was the Caehalog drain-a most appropri- ate name by the way. Both were long stand- ing nuisances as members of the District Parish and County Councils were aware. It was a wonder, between those two abomina- tions, that the inhabitants were not perpetu- ally suffering from sore throats, diphtheria, and other diseases. In connection with cases of diphtheria at Llanbadarn, he must state that a wylnos was held in the stricken house and that little children were taken in to view the dead. He had on several occasions vigor- ously condemned the practice of holding wyl- nosau and of the habit people had of congre- gating in small houses and places unsuitable to hold public meetings at any time apart from the presence of the dead. To hold a wylnos in such a small house and under such cimcum- stances deserved the severest condemnation. It was disease and death-defying foolhardiness. Such mistaken sympathy did not justify people to risk spreading a virulent disease like diph- theria. It was the duty of every intelligent and right-minded person to prevent the spread- ing of disease. Tho clergy and ministers of all denominations were well aware of the dan- ger and were, he believed, unanimously of opinion that meetings should not be held in such houses, but he was afraid they were too tender hearted to stand firm and refuse their sanction. It was time for public opinion to put an end to the practice. It had been ne- cessary to close the School simply because of the wylnos, and the fact that little children were exposed to the contagion of diphtheria. Improvements had been effected in the water supplies of the villages of Llanbadarn, Waun- fawr, Penllwyn, and Pontorwyd. He was sorry to say that very little sanitary progress was made. The question of the water sup- plies of Talybont, Penrhiw, Bow Street, and Nantyfelin, Pentregenffordd, Llanfihangel, and Tre'radol, mentioned in last year's and pre- vious reports, was becoming a very old ques- tion. At that rate of progress the millenium would dawn before the work would be done. He hoped energetic action would be taken and that before the end of the present year the forementioned places would b. supplied with plenty of pure water. Several substantial dwelling-houses had lately been erected and he wished to insist upon the. importance of ob- serving faithfully the bylaws as to new build- f' ings. It was not only of importance to the health and happiness of the present genera- tion but to that of future generations. The bylaws benefited both the owner and occupier. He was afraid that some owners, for the sake of saving a few shillings. Were tempted to ig- nore the demands or bylaws. It was there- fore necessary to exercise stricter supervision.