The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

St. Peter's Boys at Cardiff, SECOND ANNUAL BANQUET. INTERESTING SPEECH BY THE MAYOR OF CARMARTHEN. A goodly company of St. Peter's Boys met at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on Wed- nesday evening, of last week. It was their second annual banquet (so far as those in the capital of the Principality were con- cerned), and the proceedings of the evening was of an exceedingly enjoyable character. Mr E. W. Shackell, J.P., was the chairman, and, after a capital dinner had boon fully enjoyed, he gave The Queen, Our Prince and Princess, and Royalty," which was heartily received. Mr W. J. Needle gave "Our Forces, Spiritual and Temporal." He put the latter first, and urged that temporal war- fare underlay all the veneer of civilisation and withstood all the cross-breeding of innumerable races. War produced types of character that could not will be done without. However, the spiritual forces, in the intervals of fighting each other, invited their followers to a nobler warfare. The Rev J R Buckley, in responding, expressed the hope that the proposed European Peace Congress would bring forth good results. Mr T. 0. Edwards (Mining Engineers) also responded. 0 Dr Pritehard gave The Houses of Parliament." Sir John Jones Jenkins, M.P., responded. During the past year, ho said, some things that they all deplored had happened, but, on the whole, the nation was making steady advance. They had been on the eve of war with a very close neighbour upon a question that ought not to have had so much importance attached to it as it had. If war had resulted between France and England, it would have been one of the most fierce and deplorable ever fought. At the same time, he could not forget that the wars that had already been fought between England and France had resulted in the general good of mankind. He was glad to find that good feeling was rapidly growing up between the two nations. As to the Csar's rescript, he hoped that good might come of the proposed conference. One thing that they ought to feel glad 0 y 0 about was the growth of good feeling was growing up between England and America. The United States were becoming more and more the competitors with England in the markets of the world. For one thing, goods in America could be produced at a much lower rate price than could be done in England. This would set the British manufacturers to work upon the task of finding some cheaper or better means of production. But a greater factor would be provided if public men would do all they could to form a better state of feeling between masters and employed (hear, hear). Dr Treharno proposed" The Town ot Our Birth." They were all proud of their old town, but be hoped that in the future, whilst preserving that feeling, they would remember that they owed something to the whole of Wales. In one way they could do much, and that was in assisting in the resuscitation of Welsh Industries. Many of tho articles produced in Wales in times gone by were of a quality that could not be beaten, and he hoped that the efforts now being put forward would result in much benefit to the people of Wales. The Mayor of Carmarthen, in responding to "The Town of our Birth," said: There was a time when Carmarthen was tha capital of South Wales. It was the soat of Government and the occasional residence of the Native Princes, and in later times it had its royal mints, and its exchequers, and a Court of Chancery for South Wales, with a Chancellor to preside. Now Cardiff could swallow up Carmarthen, and hardly show a sign of the operation (laughter). If our native town has not grown, perhaps the next best thing is the wonderful growth of Cardiff, as all the St. Peter's Boys before me can testify. You have left the Old Town for a bigger and more flourishing younger brother, and without presumption, you can claim you have helped to make the younger brother the big, strong, flourishing fellow he is (applause). And there is a certain degree of pleasure to be found in the contrast between the old town and the new one. Here you are going ahead daily, and there is pleasure as well as profit, perhaps, for you all in the rapid growth-more customers, more business, and, let us hope, more profit (applause). But when you feel homesick—even after the laose of 20 vears —you can safely rely on finding the dear old 0 town as you left it; just as you will find Merlin and Llangunnor Hill where you left them, and Nott and Picton Monuments in their places. You will also find the Old Bridge still spanning the Towy, and perhaps a few steamers along the Quay; the streets full of carts and bustle, and the shops full of customers on a market day; and the remaining six days rather quiet. Things are very much the same as when you were boys (applause). The Parade is as pleasant as ever, with a good view of the Vale of Towy in the distance. Though Carmarthen is not such a busy place as Cardiff or Swansea, nevertheless, we manage to live very comfortably in the old town (cheers). You have your coals, iron, &c but we have the Carmarthen butter, and our home-spun flannels, and our noted men. We can boast of our Peter Williams, the well-known Welsh Bible Commentator, and his son, Eliezer Williams, founder of Lampeter Grammar School (applause). Another honoured name, which is closely connected with Carmarthen, is that of the Rev Griffith Jones, of Llanddowror, a religious reformer and patriot, who was ordained from the Carmarthen Grammar School in 1708; he, aided by the liberality of Madam Bevan, of Laugharne, founded tho Welsh Circulating Charity Schools, which for 140 years were of much service to the Welsh peasantry (hear, hear). There were 128 schools in South Wales and 87 in North Wales in operation before the founder's death (applause). Our town also had the honour of partly educating Dr Daniel Davies, Physician to the Duchess of Kent, when Queon Victoria was born. We had Mr Brinley Richards and Mr W. T. Samuel as composers. We have our Sir Lewis Morris as a poet. We have our Mr Fred Roberts, of London, as a leading physician and some wanted to say that the Explorer Stanley was a Carmarthen man. In our town General Nott was born and died; we have a monument erected to his memory, and his grave is in St. Peter's Churchyard. General Picton had a close connection with Carmarthen. We have a monument also to that horo's memory, and another to the memory of the Welsh I usiliers, who fought so nobly in the battle of Alma. We also had a very noted poet of the name of David Davies. His epitaph on Dr Priestly, one of the teachers of the i Presbyterian College, is worth remembering. Here lies at rest, In oaken chest, Together packed most nicely, The Bones and Brains, Flesh, Blood, and Veins, And Soul of Dr Priestly. (applause). In looking over the list of all the good people who had been educated or lived in Carmarthen, it is no wonder that a certain rev. gentleman called Carmarthen The Athens of Wales." In the battle of Agincourt, the Welsh bore a conspicuous place, the Pembrokeshire men .first, then next— Caermarthen in hr-r colours bore a rocd, Whereon an old man lOfln'd himself to stay At a star pointing which, of great reUbwn Was skilful Merlin, namer of that town. Its Charter was first granted by Henry II. it was confirmed by King John in 1201. By James' Charter Carmarthen was constituted a county of itself. In the year 1400 we had a mayor of the name of David Lloyd, who held the office for 14 years. In 15;)7 wo had as mayor a Mr Humphrey Toye, one of the principal promoters of the translation of the Bijble into Wulsh. We had a new Charter in 1764, and the first mayor under that Charter was a Mr Albert Davids (applause from Mr George David). In 1790 Lord Dynevor was our mayor and in 1809 Lord Cawdor was our mayor. Under the Municipal Reform Act in 1836 our first mayor was Captain John George Philipps, and ever since until the present day we have had honourable men to fill the honourable position, and the mayor of 1899 is, you know who (laughter). I only hope that the St. Peter's Boys that have made their homes in the present Metropolis of Wales will prosper and become useful and good citizens in the town which they now live (loud applause). The Chairman, in proposing the toast of the Town of our Adoption," referred to many of our channels in which Cardiff had progressed, especially during recent years. He suggested that they might use that gathering as a starting-point from which to establish a society, to which Carmarthen ladies as well as the men might be admitted for periodical gatherings. Such a society would be an inestimable boon in many cases. Mr George David responded in a humourous speech. Mr Trevor Shackell proposed" The Visitors." Mr T. T. Marks, chairman of the Llan- dudno Urban District Council, in'responding referred to the many illustrious men which Carmarthen had produced. In poetry they had Sir Lewis Morris; in science, the late Dr W. Morgan, of Swansea in commerce, Mr D. H. Evans, Mr Tom Harries, and Mr E. W. Shackell; their military celebrities included Picton and Nott, and the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, of whom the first man enrolled was one Stacey, of Friar's Park; in art, they had James Bush, (Cardiff), W. Bush (Newport), David Jones (Dudley), and W. Jones (Carmar- then) in music, they had produced the late Brinley Richards and Mr W. T. Samuel; in medicine, Sir John Williams and Pro- fessor Fred Roberts; and in the ministry, the late Dr Herber Evans and te Rev Hugh Price Hughes. The motto of the old town was appropriately, Rhyddid, Hedd a Llwyddiant." Carmarthen had a glorious history in the past and her sons to-day were keeping up her ancieut prestige, which was not to be effected by the sneers of larger centres of population (applause). South Walians had been sent to civilise the Northern parts of the Principality. It had given him great pleasure to attend this gathering, which he had come a long way to attend and he concluded by advising her young townsmen to persevere and emulate the deeds of those who had gone before them. He then proposed in felicitous terms the toast of "The Chairman," which was received with musical honours. Dr Treharne asked the chairman to convey their good wishes to the two grand old men of Carmarthhu-M, r Goorge Bagnall and Dr Rowlands. The Chairman, in returning thanks, spoke highly of the manner in which the secre- taries (Mr T. O. Edwards, H.M.I, of Factories, and Mr W. S. Davies, solicitor) had conducted the arrangements in con- nection with the gathering. The meeting was an exceedingly successful one and was more successful even than the first.

Llandilo Urban District Council. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday evening. Those present were Mr J W Nicholas (chairman), Mr W Griffiths (vice chair- man), Rev W Davies, Messrs E A Roberts, T C Thomas, T Hopkins, Erun Jones, D Stephens, G Williams, J W Jones, and J Price. The Clerk said that the Surveyor was absent through illness. The question of the levelling of Stepney-road was deferred. Mr E A Roberts proposed that they should ask the Committee of the Gas Company to lay a main from the Victoria to the White Hart.—Rev W Davies seconded,Nir Evan Jones, judging by his experience of the Gas Company, thought they might as well fly to the moon.—The motion was agreed to Mr T C Thomas proposed, owing to the leaky state of the, hose, that they provide the Fire Brigade with six length of new hose. He main- tained that if they got new hose, it should only be used on the occasion of a fire, and not for general purposes.—The matter was deferred. Mr Frederick Michael wrote to ask the Counci co take over Green fie) d-road.Nlr Evan Jones held they had agreed the road must be first put in good condition.—Eventually the Surveyor was instructed to report. Mr E Ai Roberts wanted to know what had become of the tools belonging to the Council. They could not be found on the occasion of the fire.- Result, •• As you were." Mr Benjamin Richards, butcher, New-road, applied for permission to use a building at the back of his premises as:a slaughter-house.—Mr C G Phillips, Mr E A Roberts, Mr Evan Jones, and Mr W Griffiths advocated giving permission, but the Clerk pointed out they should first have a report from the Medical Officer and Surveyor.— Eventually it was decided to have a special meeting to receive such report. Mr G Williams drew attention to tho insantitary condition of certain premises in Church-strect. A bill for gravel from Messrs Ptrnson and Sothern was held over. I Several other minor matters were under consideration.

You Cannot Afford to be without it. In all matters of economy the test question should always be, Can I afford it?" For instance, when suffering from any ailment, ask yourself, Can I afford to let this slight cold or little cough develope into asthma, chronic bronchitis, or consumption Can I afford to let this little want of appetite deepen '°to indigestion, flatulence, or dyspepsia ? ~an„r aU°rd to let this out of sorts feeling which I suffer from occasionally to settle into a confirmed melancholy ? Can I afford to let my wife grow weaker day by day under household burdens, or my child, who is now only a little delicate, run the risk of being obliged to succumb entirely, or can I afford to let myself run the risk of breaking down entirely and giving up my work, all for want of a little preeiution ? When you are told that the excellent preparation known as Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, which is acknow- ledged to be the best tonic remedy ever discovered, would enable you to avoid all these dangers, the question should not be Can I afford it? but Can I afford to be without it. in most cases common- sense will tell you that you ANNOT afford to be without it, that you CANNOT afford to run the risk you are now running, while so valuable a remedy as Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters is at hand. Above all, see that you get the right article, with the name Gwilym Evans' on the label, stamp, and bottle, without which none is genuine. Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, The Vegetable Tonic, is sold everywhere in bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each. .r-

IF you require WEDDING CARDS, call at the Reporter" Office. A nice selection to choose from. Cheap prices. TO THE DEAF. A rich lady being cured of the Deafness and head noises by means of Dr. Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums and Treatment sent £ 1,000 to his Institute so that Deaf Persons unable to buy the Drums may get them Free. Apply by letter to P. Y. Bright, 54, Bow Lane, London, E.C.

Wliitland Rural District Council. MONTHLY MEETING AT THE I PARK HOTEL. The usual meeting of the Whitland Rural District Council was held at the Park Temperance Hotel on Friday. Mr T. Davies, chairman of the Council, presided. There were also present:—Rev W. Thomas, Whitland; Mr G. O. Lewis, Eglwys- cymmyn; Mr John Williams, Henllan- Amgoed; Mr John Thomas, Llangan Mr Benjamin Thomas, Pondino; Mr T. Evans, Llanfallteg; Mu Jphn Lewis, Marros; Mr Levi Davies, Llanboidy; Mr Morgan Phillips, Eglwysfair-a-cherrig; Mr W. Howolls, Cittig; Mr Thomas Lewis, Llan- boidy Mr J. Adam Lewis, Llaiiboicly Mr John James, Llandissilio Mr W. Thomas, Egremont; together with the Clerk (Mr John Thomas); the Deputy-Clerk (Mr Henry Lewis); the Medical Officer of Health (Dr J. T. Cresswick Williams); the Surveyor (Mr Eees Davies) and the Inspector of Nuisances (Mr J. M. Thomas). THE LLANDOIDY ROADMAN. A further letter was read from Mr John Richards, Pantygrydd, respecting the allegation that the roadman there had been deprived of his work. It was decided to ask the roadman to attend at the next meeting, when the subject would be gone into fully. WHITLAND WATER SUPPLY. The Chairman then moved that The suggestions of the Whitland Water Com- mittee, with reference to the water-supply and drainage of Whitland be carried out as soon as practicable." In moving the motion, the Chairman said that they as a Council, had conferred with two important I bodies on the subject—with the Local Government Board and the Whitlanders. The Local Goverament Board sent down their Inspector, and said that the water must be supplied by gravitation, and the Whitland people said that the water must be supplied by the well-system. Even if the water were supplied by gravitation, it would not be entirely free from danger. There was danger in every scheme. But, after all, the Whitland people said they could not pay for the gravitation scheme, which would cost too much. Therefore, it had been decided to sink two wells, and to utilise that already existing in front of the Park Hotel. One of the wells was in a very good spot; but that in front of the Fishers' Arms was in cultivated land, where, according to experts, a well was not safe, especially if it wera less than 100 feet deep. He thought tho best thing would be to give the Water Committee carte blanche, so that they could exercise their judgment as to selecting tho best possible sites available in the neighbourhood. Some might say, "Sink the wells and have the water analysed." But an analysis was not conclusive evidence they had lately seen an instance in this county where one analysts had condemned water, and another had pronounced it fit for drinking purposes. To have the water analysed would be some guidance but would not be con- clusive evidence. Again, the mere chemical analysis would not detect the presence of the germs of typhoid. He proposed the resolution read; and he thought the matter ought to be taken m hand at once. They wanted to be able to discuss something besides the water supply of Whitland—although it was not a very dry question (laughter). Mr J. H. Lewis said that the well at the Fishers' Arms was on the upper side, and if it were cased up he thought it would do very well. Mr G. O. Lewis said that wherever a well was sunk, it would be more or less subject to contamination. It would be pretty safe if it were cased up. The Chairman They will be all cased up; but you cannot case it up the whole way or you will have no water. The motion of the Chairman was seconded by Mr Thomas Evans, and carried nem. coa. The Inspector was directed to bring up an estimate on the subject at the next meeting. THE WAGES OF THE ROAD LABOURERS. An application was read from William James, road labourer, Llanboidy, for a rise in his wages. He was paid at present 2s a day, and he said that others were getting 2s 6d a day for the same work. Mr William James moved a motion of which he had given notice That the wages of all the labourers in the Whitland Rural District be revised." He pointed out that in Llanfallteg, the roadmen got 2s 3d a day; in Henllan 2s was paid: and in Llangan 2s 6d. The wages throughout the district varied from Is 8d to 2s 6d. It might be said that some of these were old men. Well they paid their Clerk as well now, as when he was a young man, and he did his work quite as well. Many old men did their work quite as well as young men. It was very discouraging for a man to find 6d a day knocked off his wages, because he was growing old; we were all going that way. Some said, If the men don't like their wages, let them give up the jobs." That was a very bad principle. Many farmers thought that their rents were too high but it was perfectly true others would take them at the same price. If the men were not good workmen, they should be paid properly. He did not like to take anything off any of the men but he suggested that the pay be 2s 4d a day all round. Mr John Williams, in seconding, gave instances of the present inequalities and suggested that there be a scale for the payment of able-bodied men from thirty to forty-five. Mr G. O. Lewis moved an amendment to the effect that things remain as at present. He did not know what sort of men were in the other end of the district but he knew that in other places they were satisfied with what they had. It was not right that one man's wages should be reduced in order to be on an equality with the others. For the sake of the peace of the Council, and for future good, it would be better to let the wages remain as they were. Mr W. Howell seconded the amendment. Rev W. Thomas said that they would require to have a list of the labourers aad their rate of payment, before they could satisfactorily determine anything. It was decided to adjourn the subject until the next meeting, when the Surveyor will bring up a full report on the subject. THE BREAKING OF STONES. Mr E. James moved that all stones imported into the parishes be unbroken. They had a good many complaints from parishes as to work which was done outside the parish. The Surveyor said that in some cases it would be almost impossible to carry out the resolutions. At present thev had nlentv of stones unbroken between Whitland Bridge ween W -tnd and Pentyvenni which were to have been done by local men; it was now too late to gpread them. Some of the men would talk in a public-house and say it was a shame to send money down to Pembrokeshire, which should have been earned in the parish but, it was very few of them who would have the stones ready in time to be measured. I The Chairman suggested that the words if practicable be added to the resolution and, with this amendment, it was carried. THE DWELLINGS OF THE POOR. The Chairman said he had had a letter from Green Court, Llangan, which he had unfortunately left at home. The writer, however, denied all the statements made by Mr Rees Phillips, Cilherwydd, in bis former letter; and seemed to show that the boot was on the other foot. It mattered not even if the tenants were under notice to quit as had been stated. The Council could proceed under sec. 32, subsec. 2 of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, whether the house was inhabited or not. The letter referred to gave a statement of accounts, with which they had nothing to do. They were not, a Land Court. A Land Court had not yet been established in Wales, although he hoped it would be eventually. As long as the house was condemned by the Sanitary Inspector it was their duty to proceed. He left the case in their hands. Mr T. Evans said that the woman was shortly leaving the house, and there was no need to discuss the case further. The owner said that he would pull down the house as soon as the tenant left. He suggested that the Sanitary Inspector report t, y on all the cases of houses in the district which were apparently uninhabitable. Each Councillor should suggest to the Inspector the houses in his district, which ought to be inspected, The Chairman said it was their duty to carry out the law without personal feeling. There Wlre hundreds of houses throughout the district, which were unfit for habitation. But when certain houses wero reported it was their duty to carry out the law. He must protest against the very unsympathetic letter which Mr Eees Phillips had sent to the Council; and which was really a slap in the face to them. They were not to be humbugged by persons of Mr Rees Phillips' mental calibre. They did not know him; and it was not their business to know him. It was their business to carry out the Acts. The matter then dropped. THE COMMON FUND QUESTION AGAIN. Mr Benjamin Thomas moved that application be made to the County Council for leave to keep the Highway Account on the Common Fund system Since the Board was started they had had a traction engine (omiig ovex some of the roads some main-roads had become almost that gras grew on them; and some roads formerly almost private had all the traffic of main-roads. If they were just and fair, the parishes would be all on a Common Fund, as the Main Roads of the County were maintained. As it was, it did not matter to the Council, whether a certain parish wished to pay their man 5s a day or not it was all the same to the Council. Mr W. Howellp, in seconding;, said that, the Ciffig-ro id was as great a scans of for the district, as the main-line of the G.W.R. He felt sure that every man of common-seme would vote for the motion. Rev W. Thomas pointed on: that tho Clerk of the Peace and the County Council had declared the present method of separate accounts illegal; and that was the answer that the Council would return them if they made the application. The Chairman said that if thoy went in for the Common Fund he would expect th, roads in Llanglydwen to be kept like those in Llaugan. At present they c.\ id hardly be passed; 1ey were simply abo ainable. iVJr E..Jnines moved, and Mr John Williams seconded, as an amemi aent that the present method be retained. On a division, 10 voted for the amend- ment; and seven for the motion. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor (Mr Rees Davies) reported as follows:- Three months ago I received verbal instructions from you to get the top of all the hedges cut and the trees topped. Accordingly I sent out an official notice to every occupier of road hedges throughout the whole district, and in many cases I have sent out the second or final notice to defaulters. I am pleased to report that about 100 miles of hedges have already been cut, but there are still about 90 defaulters scattered in different parts of the district. The result is that the highways are excluded from the benefits of wind and sun owing to the high growths;. this especially where the roads ave narrow and with soft surfaces. If all the hedges were cut every year, th,, result would be less labour, consequently lighter rates, cleaner and better roads. Iu my opinion all the road hedges should be cut by the road labourers exactly in the same rminner as the plashing of hedges is at present carried on. Re damage to Alain Road in the Parish of Ciffic by Traction Engine.—In compliance with your instruction, I have made an estimate of damage by way of extraordinary traffic over the above road. I consider that this road was one of the best in the district, at present it is in a bad state of repair, and I calculate that an extra quantity of at leas: 70 tons of broken lime-stones will be required to make good the damage, which should be secured and spread over the affected parts without delay, and I strongly recommend the Council to apply to the Blaencilgoed Limestone Company for that quantity free of all cost and to be immediately delivered at depots which I shall point out to them." The Surveyor was directed to take proceedings against those who did not trim their hedges within fourteen days. His n suggestion as to the Cillig road was adopted.

MiD. GLAMORGAN FL^^NEL FAIR.- The Mid- Glamorgan hllll-yearly fair which was hald at Maosteg on Monday, was crowdea all day ami the principal manutaeturers from every district in South Wales had stalls. There was a brisk trade through- out, especially in the evening there t'eing many visitors from t -wns and villages south -nd east or Llyiivi Valiey ,y the Great Western Railway and from districts west of Maestfg by the Prt Talbot Hailway. The prices were-—Blankets, 16s to 20R per lit.ir; Welsh flannel, Is. 31 to Is id per yard, EPI''3'S COCOAGKATEFCJL AMP COMFORTING — By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of dilution acd nutiition, and a careful application of the fine properties of \vell-selec??d Coc.;a, Mr Eprs hl." pro idtd tar 0 :r breakfast and suppsr delicately flavoured bevevsqe which nity save us many heavy doctors' bills, It 19 by the judicious us of articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually bunt up until s:.iong snough to resiat ev „-y tendency to disease. We may escape many a fat ii shaft be keeping ourselves well foitified with pu"u- blood and a properly lcurishtd frr.rae-"— CU-il Set vice Gazette. — Made simply with boiling water or milk -Sold only in pickets and pound tins. by Grocers, labelled—" Barnes Epps & Co., Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." WELIION'S LADIES' JOURNAI,,— the February number of Weldon's Ladies' Journal is give away the paper pattern of a new skirt, together with a coloured plite of what will be worn thia spring and contains practical directions on cutting out, fitting, and making up all the newest styles ot costumes, blouses, and also the latest shape? in La's and the best method of trimming same, The fashion article is replete with infoi-mation on the prettiest and most stylish trimmings with which to adorn ones gown9, ana and there are seme very interesting articles on the complexion, care of the hands, points on etiquette, &c., together with suggestions for the menu of a wedding reception, which will be found very help, ftsl. The bondcir supplement has an attractivs story entitled "Tho green eyed mortster," including a host ot useful information on household matters of special interest to ladi?;?. Wckton*' Practical Anlttcr No. 158. will be found a most reliable guide ftr making tocre aew dseigni3 in gtrtlvwen's gloves, fctocking tops, children's garupean; neckties, &c. CARMARTHEN Printed and Published by the Proprietress, M. LAWRENCE, ab her Officer, 3, Blue-street, FBIDAY, 1'ebruary 10th, 1899, f.: