The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

^CARMARTHEN BOARD OF t GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this body was held at the Union Workhouse, Carmarthen, on Saturday, the chairman, Mr J. Evans, A Itycadno, presiding. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master (Mr Price) reported that on the 25th ult., a tramp, named Wm. Thompson, be- came insane whilst in the cell, from which place he managed to escape by forcing himself through the window-bars. He was ultimately handed over to the police, and taken to the Asylum. He (the Master) suggested that the house committee should meet and see that the cells were made more secure. Wm. Jones, a pauper from the parish of S. Peter's, had died in the House since the last meeting. There were 83 inmates in the House. 11 The Board decided that the Master be :em- powered to place the cells in proper order. RELIEF. Sixth week, per the four relieving officers, J6141 7s 3d to 1,258 paupers, a decrease on the corresponding period last year of E5 13s 3d and 105 paupers. 7th week, 9139 7s 2d to 1,253, being a decrease of R6 9s 4d and 108 paupers. The balance in hand was reported to be £ 1,122 15s 5d. AN ANONYMOUS INFORMANT. The Clerk (Mr Rowland Browne) said he had received an anonymous letter stating that Mary Lloyd, one of the paupers residing in the Narberth Union, was keeping two bastard children. He wrote to the relieving officer of that district, and found that she received 4s 6d weekly f'.r keeping the children. She was also receiving 4s 6d from this Union, and her father, with whom she lived, was in receipt of 3s a week from the Narberth Union, so that they received a total of 12s every week. A discussion arose, and the Clerk remarked that this was an instance of the bad results of giving relief to paupers residing outside their Union.—It was resulved to reduce her relief by Is weekly. ACCOMMODATION FOR FEMALE TRAMPS. Mr T. Smith (superintendent of the Carmar- then borough police force and assistant relieving officer) attended the meeting, and said he wished to make a statement as to there being no accom- modation for female tramps in the House. He found great difficulty in finding lodgings for them i n the town on occasions when the common lodging-houses had their registered number of occupants. He could find accommodation for them in public-houses if the Board gave him per- mission to allow the publicans, say, Is a bed per night, but they would not take them in for 4i. Sometime ago a woman with five children applied f or a ticket, and he experienced great difficul y in finding beds for them.-Tiie Board decided, as no accommodation could be had at the Workhouse unless they extended the premises, to allow Supt. Smith to allow Is a bed fur female tramps when the local lodging houses were already full. -1 THE CHARGE AGAINST A MEDICAL OFFICER. The Board next considered the charge brought against one of the medical officers in their service, Dr. Ellis Edwards, of Conwil, that he did not, when called upon, attend to a pauper who was ill on the 10th ult, and who had died before he did visit him. The charge was laid against him by Wm. Oliver, Llwynconwil fawr S. Picton and Simon Evans, and the pauper was David Jones, of Panteg, in the parish of Conwil. It appeared that Dr. Edwards had not visited him since the 11th of October. A letter of ex- planation from Dr. Edwards, who was present at the meeting, was read. Mr E. Lewis, Cille- fwr Did you visit the pauper within the month previous te his death? Dr. Edwards: No, sir, but the man had been under my treatment for the last three years, and, for the last twelve- month at least, he had been completely invalided. I attended him frequently, but at last he had a chronic disease, and I could do nothing for him, but alleviate his pain. As it was not a case in which I could do any good by visiting him in the middle of the night I did not go when called trpon, but I went to him the tirst thing in the morning. His friends, thinking he was dying, had sent for a man to watch him in the afternoon, so why could they not send for me then ? And, again, I had that night taken a dose to brinw on perspiration, so if I had gone out I would be en- dangering my own life. If the Board lays down a rule that the medical officers are bound to go at every hour of the night, if anyone calls them, to a case where they know they cannot do any good, then I would submit to your order. The charge has been brought against me in sheer spite, and all in the neighbourhood of Conwil know that. I have a testimonial signed by a few of my friends which will show what the opinion of the clergy- men and ministers of every denomination in my district is as to how I tre:it the paupers. I can prove as to the spite. The fmt to bring the accusation against me was my landlord. [Dr. Edwards then related how a law-suit had been carried on between him and his landlord, and that this had arisen on account < f bad feeling owing to the law-suit],—Mr E. Lewis said he should like to know whether they could compel the doctor to attend if he had not been summoned by the overseers or relieving officer. He did not believe any doctor could say what was the cause of death if he had not visited the deceased within a month of his death. It was the duty of the Board to look after the paupers as well as the ratepayers, and any man refusing to attend a sick pauper in the middle of the night was no man at all. They had a diary showing where the relieving officers had been every day within the fortnight, and they ought to have a similar diary showing where the doctors had been each day, in order to know that the paupers were properly looked after. It was a much needed thing in their Union. Dr. Edwards said that if what Mr Lewis suggested was brought into operation, it would be more than any medical officer would be able to do at the present remuneration. He, for one, would rather resign than accede to such a plan. The relieving officers were the servants solely of the Board, but when they, the doctors, took the medical- officership they did so with a proviso that it did not bebar them from private practice. Accoul- ing to law they were not bound to attend any pauper unless they had received a notice in writ- mg from an overseer or relieving officer, and if he attended a pauper without such written notice, the finance committee could, if it so wished, re- fuse to pay him his fee. Mr Lewis had said no medical man would know the cause of death if the deceased had not been visited within a month previous, but he was certain that every medical man would know when the deceased from suffer- ing from an internal tumour, the same as David Jones, Pantteg. He was perfectly willing to ap- ply to the Home Secretary for permission to raise David Jones from the grave, in order to see whether his opinion of the cause of death was correct or not.— The Clerk said that the doctors had at present to fill up sheets which answered the purpose of a diary, and it was to be hoped the (toctors iiifea trieni up correctly. It was not necessary that a written notice to attend should be given always, except for the first visit. Dr. Edwards said they had a discretionary power whether they should attend or not. Mr E. Lewis But you had not seen this man for a month, and you ought to have gone at once.—Dr. Edwards At the risk of my own life to visit a hopeless case ?-The following letter addressed to the Board was then read at Dr. Edward's request GENTLEMEN,—We, the undesigned, have heard with deep regret that there are some malcontents in this parish who wish to injure Dr. J. Ellis Edwards in his capacity as medical officer of the district. We, therefore, consider it but just to state that we have always heard him spoken of in the highest of terms by the paupers for his uniform kindness, attention and skill, and further, to the best of our knowledge and belief, he is always ready to attend both poor and rich alike in cases of emergency at any hour of the night or day. (Signed), John Morgan, vicar, Con wil-in-Velvet; C. B. Lloyd, Congregational minister, Bwlch- newydd; J. Lloyd, vicar, Llanpumpsaint; J. D. Jones,Congregational minister, Elitn; D. Richards, Baptist minister, Talog; J. G. Owen?, Congregational minister, Conwil; Thomas John, Baptist minister, Ffynonhenry W. Davies, vicar, Llanllawddog. The Clerk said that, of course, the doctors must be allowed to exercise some discretionary power, and the matter was allowed to drop.—The meeting then terminated. I

REPRESENTATION OF THE CAR- MARTHEN BOROUGHS. On Monday evening last Mr .Jeremiah Williams, p iitical agent in the Cannon hen Boroughs p I t" the present member, Sir Arthur Stepney, Bart., received a must important letter from the hon. member which was written at Naples on November 15th, and which bore the London postmark of November 30th. Mr Williams believed that it would be judicious and better on his part to adopt the same course in this matter in the boroughs as he did upon receiving the letter from Sir Arthur about two montht ago, in which he announced his intention to- resign the seat at the next general election owing to continued ill-health, viz., to submit the letter to the committee of the Llanelly Liberal Club before presenting it to representa- tives of the Press, and he further believed that this would be the course most acceptable to the hon. member, who was highly pleased with the discreet steps previously taken by his agent. Mr Williams called a meeting of the committee, which met on Thursday night at the Liberal Club. The business was described as Impor- tant," and the members, who became quickly possessed of the impression that something unusual was going to occur, were both anxious. and curious to become acquainted with the matter. Mr Williams explained that he received an important letter from Sir Arthur, which read as follows :— "Naples, November 15th, 1891. Nly dear Sir,—I have for some little time been intending to write you as regards the. unfortunate unpleasantness of the situation in which I am placed politically. I have put off doing so from day to day owing to the very. disagreeable nature of my task, but all must now.1 be cleared up, and an explanation is due. "The Home R-ile question at the time of the. Parnellite disruption of last year bad assumed such an aspect that I at once felt that unless. something definite happened such as could again wholly modify the situation, it would be impossi- ble for me to suppoit a, Home Riiie policy with my vote. I was on the point when the thing, so to speak, burst of pairing for the brief space of time I was to be away after Parliament met, but found in consequence of what is above stated that such a course was out of the question under the altered circumstances, and I left unpaired. Long and troublesome illness followed, or some earlier decision must have been come to, and I was g-hd of the delay, as a ftirtlier modification of the circumstances was, if not at all probable, at all events not impossible, aed the d$eisi<m was adjourned. "The situation, however, is unchanged. Time- has passed without making this question, which is still on the forefront and given prece- dence over everything else, at all more clear; and nothing but such a measure can five satisfac- tion, judging from all the declarations made on either side in Ireland, as would, in my poor judg- ment, be both impassable and impossible. "The Whips, and through tbem, no doubt, Mr G'adstone, have been informed of this inevitable change on my part, which will, of course, involve an adherence to the Unionist cause during the short remainder of the Parliament expected to be dissolved next year. "I am at raid this letter will be almost as dis- agreeable to read as it is to me to write it. Yours very truly, A. C. STEPNEY. It had not for a moment been thought in the constituency that Sir Arthur was unsound on the Home Rule question, and the letter, the nature of which was quite unexpected, created consider- able surprise and pain amongst the members of the committee. The announcement of the hon. member's change of front spread throughout the town like wildfire the same night, and everywhere expressions of surprise and pain were heard. Earlier in the day Mr Williams forwarded a copy of the letter to Mr Thomas Davies, solicitor, Carmarthen, where the intelligence aroused an equal amount of astonishment and regret. A private letter to Mr Williams was enclosed with the above, in which Sir Arthur stated that never before had it been his experience to write so dis- agreeable a letter. He was slightly better in health, but as he was on a voyage to Western Austrialia to recuperate it he would not return to his country until next spring. His constituents are now placed in a rather awkward and unique position, but at the present moment it has not been decided what steps shall be taken in view of the latest development in the political state of the United Boroughs. LIBERAL MEETING AT CARMARTHEN.. A REPLY TO THE LLANELLY RESOLUTION. The committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements in connection with the selection of a candidate to represent the Carmarthen boroughs in Parliament met at the Assembly Rooms, Carmarthen, on Friday evening last. The Mayor (Mr T. Jenkins) presided, and at the outset of the proceedings read letters from the two candidates replying to the resolution passed by the committee at its last meeting. The first letter was from Major Jones, It will be remembered that the Major said he should indeed rejoice at the opportunity of testing the relative candidates at Carmarthen amongst genuine Gladstonian Liberals, to the exclusion, under proper standard, of Tories and Unionists. Perhaps no man stood higher for honour and knowledge of the Carmarthen voter than Mr Thomas Davies, J.P., and he would be glad to abide by any arrangement;which he might 11 i 9 sanction and sign. The next was from Mr Lewis Morris, and was as follows :— Penbryn, Dec. 2nd, 1891. Dear Sir, I am in receipt of your letter informing me of the resolution in favour of a test ballot passed by the meeting of Liberal electors on November 30th. To the terms of that resolution, subject to what I have next to say, I have no objection. I confess, however, that nothing but a wish to preserve the unity of the party (if that be still possible) would induce me to be bound with- out a reference to the result of the ballot taken at Llanolly on Saturday last. That ballot was so full of irregularities, there were so many instances of arbitrary exclusion of Liberal voters, and the numbers were so inadequate as a test of the sense of the Liberal electors there, that I should not, if there were not grave issues for the party involved. accept the result as conclusive. Nevertheless, as I have often done before, I will, if it be the wish of the Liberal electors of Carmarthen, consent to waive my objections and abide by the result of the gross poll here and at Llanelly. I remain yours obediently, D. P. Morgan, Esq. LEWIS MORRIS. The Mayor next read a communication from the secretaries of the Llanelly Liberal Three Hundred (Messrs D. R. Williams and J. Rhys Samuel), conveying the resolution passed by that body on Wednesday night. It regretted the plan proposed at Carmarthen was not in keeping with the understanding that had previously been mutually agreed upon at a meeting of the repre- sentatives of the party in both towns, and urged Carmarthen Liberals that a poll should be taken without delay of Gladstonian Liberals and Home Rulers. The Rev J. Wyndham Lewis said they must bear in mind that they were being watched by Tories and Liberals from Cardiff to Holyhead. He took it for granted that they were anxious to retain the seat for the Liberals through thick and thin. He appreciated the difficulties con- nected with a test ballot. There was some- thing inquisitorial about it. However, he could not see how it could be avoided, but he was afraid their friends at Llauelly would not abide by their decision. Mr D. P. Morgan reminded Mr Lewis that it had already been decided to take a poll. Mr Lewis agreed to what had been done, and suggested that the Mayor should go over the lift of voters. (The Mayor No, no.") Mr Alcwyn Evans—Sir Arthur Stepney was a Liberal till a couple of days ago. Would one of them (Llanelly Three Hundred) have dared to go and ask him if he was a Home Ruler ? (Cries of No and cheers.) Mr G. T. Norton said the resolution which they had passed did not propose to have any catechism. The Rev D. J. Thomas—I think we are going behind the resolution of the last meeting. I pro- pose we consider the replies of the candidates now before us (applause). Mr Lewis Daniel referred to certain remarks made by Dr Jones, Llanelly, that Carmarthen Liberals did not abide by the understanding previously come to by the two parties, and i contended that the mode of procedure adopted by the Carmarthen Liberals could not be more in accordance with the understanding referred to. Mr i'lHu Hughes said that the Carmarthen I electors should adopt the same plan as that adopted at Llanelly, but he (iNIr Datiiels) hoped they would not adopt that plan, for he thought it would be a shame if they were to go on the same lines as Llanelly (applause). The Rev Professor D. E. Jones regretted to find that matters were assuming a serious and critical aspect, and he would be sorry to utter a single word which might in any way tend to widen the gap between the Llanelly Liberal Three Hundred and the Carmarthen Liberals, and thus make it more difficult for them to heartily co-operate in the f uture--(applause)- but he must protest against that dictatorial tone of some of the speeches delivered at Llanelly on Wednesday night. He maintained that the statement contained in the resolution, that Carmarthen was not in keeping with the understanding that had previously been mutually agreed upon, was groundless and totally without foundation in fact (applause). They were fully prepared, to quote Dr Jones's own words, to carry out their pledge honestly, truthfully and straightforwardly. What did the understanding referred to mean or commit them to? It simply meant what Dr Jones substan- tiaUy said last Wednesday night, namely, that Llanelly and Carmarthen, after hearing all the candidates nominated, should take a poll of Gladstonian Liberals at meetings convened in both towns for the purpose of making the final selection. There was not a word said by either the Llanelly or Carmarthen representatives about the modes of procedure committing either party to a test ballot upon the lines afterwards decided upon by the Llanelly Executive, and he could positively say that the Executive never took the trouble to consult the wishes of the Carmarthen Liberals before finally adopt- ing this particular mode of procedure, and fixing the day upon which the poll was to be taken in both places. Now their Llanelly friends persisted in dictating to them the number of voters they were to bring to the poll. The course adopted, and amusingly defended at the meeting by Dr Jones and a few, practically amounted to this—that unless they were prepared to strike out from the Carmarthen Parliamentary Register at least 300 good sound Gladstonian Liberals before proceeding to take a poll, Llanellyites would not be bound by the result and, moreover, the register must be maniplated in such a clever fashion as to meet the approval and secure the signature of some persons nominated by Major Jones. These were conditions to which he (the speaker) felt sure the independent electors of Carmarthen would never submit (cheers). Professor Jones then moved :— That we are prepaied to abide loyally by the understanding come to between there presentatives of the Llauelly Liberal Three Hundred and our- selves, but such understanding did not commit either party to a test ballot upon the lines afterwards decided upon by the Llanelly Executive alone, with- out even consulting, to our knowledge, any of the Liberal electors of Carmarthen, but only to the following course of procedure, viz., that the nominated candidates should address the Liberal electors at Llanelly and Carmarthen, and that afterwards the final selection should be made at meetings of such electors convened in both towns for the purpose, the candidate receiving the majority of votes at the meeting to be selected; and, it is futher resolved, that a poll be taken of Gladstonian Liberals at the earliest possible date after receiving a further communication from Major Jones pledging himself as agreed by Mr Lewis Morris to abide by the gross result of such poll, and the poll lately taken at Llanelly, but the question as to who are Gladstonian Liberals in Carmarthen and who are not must be left to the decision of the committee appointed by the Liberals of Carmarthen for that purpose, and not to any person or persons nominated by either candidate, we claiming for ourselves the same liberty of action in making our arrangements as the Llanelly Executive and Liberal Three Hundred thought lit to exercise. The Rev D. J. Thomas seconded, and com- plained that the Llanelly Liberals were going into side issues. The point was, were they going to allow Unionists and Conservatives to vote at the test poll. Those who were to decide who were Liberals and who were not were the committees appointed by the Liberals electors of Carmarthen in public meeting assembled (applause). Mr R. M. Thomas asked if the list accepted at Llanelly had been signed by anybody on behalf of Major Jones. The Mayor I intended calling attention to I that myself. I know of no one who has signed any list on behalf of Mr Lewis Morris. Several gentlemen spoke in favour of the resolu- tion, and Mr Rixon Morgan drew attention to the utter impractibility of the suggestion that Mr Thomas Davies, Mr Rowland Browne, and himself should decide who were Liberals and who were not in Carmarthen. It could not be done in a small town like Carmarthen, where many dare not make it known that they were Liberals. If Major Jones was at Carmarthen they could possibly manage to settle the matter, but for some reason he kept himself clear of the place. Tne Major had possibly retreated to Llandrindod, his headquarters, where, perhaps, were also his aide-de-camp, Mr Jeremiah Williams and Mr Tom Hughes. He hoped they were enjoying themselves, for they needed recuperation after the arduous fight going on (laughter). The motion was, after some further discussion, agreed to unanimously.—On a motion to send a copy to both the candidates and the Llanelly Liberal Three Hundred being made, several gentlemen objected to having anything to do I with the Three Hundred. An amendment to that effect was moved by Mr Powell, seconded by Mr Thomas Thomas, clerk, but it was eventually withdrawn and it was resolved to send a copy of the resolution to the Three Hundred as well as to the candidates. The Mayor complained of the attention paid to Mr T. Davies, J.P., and observed that it appeared as if he were the only Liberal in Carmarthen. The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the Mayor.

THE PROPOSED WELSH COUNTY COUNCILS ASSOCIATION. A conference was held at the Raven Hotel, Shrewsbury, on Thursday, of representatives of twelve county councils of Wales and Monmouth to consider the desirability of forming a county council association. There were present from South Wales :—Messrs Brigstocke, Carmarthen- shire Richard Lewis, Tonypandy, Glamorgan- shire Alderman R. Mees, mayor of Cardiff Councillors E. Thomas (" Cochfardd,") and Joseph Ramsdale, Cardiff J. Bagnall Evans, Carmarthenshire John Jacobs, Newport, Mon. S. C. Evan- Williams, Rhayader, Radnorshire Lemuel Jones, Pembrokeshire George Griffith, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire W. Bowen JDavies, Lilandrindod, Kadnorshire Gwilym Evans, Llanelly, Carmarthenshire J. Blandy Jenkins, Bridgend, Glamorganshire H. C. Fryer, clerk to Cardiganshire County Council. Mr Brigstocke was appointed chairman, and Messrs. Herbert Lewis, and Gwilym Evans lIOn. secretaries of the conferences of the associa- tion. SWANSEA AND BRECON STILL OUTSIDE. Mr Herbert Lewis stated that all the counties had appointed representatives to the conference except Brecon and Swansea. He believed that there was every probability of those places also joining the movement. MAINTENANCE OF THE ASSOCIATION. Mr Lloyd George, M.P., proposed, Mr Bagnall Evans seconded, and it was agreed :— That a case be laid before the Local Government Board for the purpose of ascertaining what powers county councils have of subscribing towards the main- tenance of a county council association for Wales and Monmouthshire. GENERAL RESOLUTION. Alderman T. Rees (Mayor of Cardiff) moved — That this joint committee, consisting of duly ap- pointed representatives of twelve of sixteen counties of Wales and Monmouthshire, is of opinion that it is desirable to form an Association of County Councils of Wales and Monmouthshire. He supposed that the Local Government Act under which the county councils were formed was fairly comprehensive, but it appeared to him < that it was a tentative Act, and that a further development of public opinion in respect to if was awaited. There were two objects to which he wished to call attention; they had come under his own personal notice. One was to obtain for Wales a share of museum grants. He could not understand why England, Scotland, and Ireland had long ago secured those grants, while Wales had to shout out for that privilege. Possibly Parliament had the idea that Wales was a sort of outlandish place, which had no museums, and, therefore, required no museum grants. Even supposing they had no museums, the very museum grants would be an incentive to the establishment of museums in Wales. Another matter was private Bill legislation. They knew nothing of the expenses, inconvenience, and delay atten- dant upon the present system, and how urgent was the need for a remedy. The advantages of transferring the discussion of such legislation to an association of county councils would be very great. In matters of sanitation, the better super- vision of drainage and ventilation, laying out land for building purposes, securing a proper width of street, and other matters of a similar kind, he was strongly in favour of the necessary powers being given to the representatives of county councils. Mr Herbert Lewis seconded. He thought that one of the questions the association might advan- tageously consider was that of obtaining a charter for a Welsh degree-giving university. They might also advocate grants for the construction of piers, harbours, and light railways, and the protection and development of fisheries. Another question of supreme importance wasthat of Crown lands in Wales, of which there were 300,000 acres. With regard to the question of inquiries into local charities, they found that in Denbighshire such an inquiry had been carried out without any expense to the county. They did not see why other Welsh counties should not have similar inquiries without paying for them, especially as they were absolutely necessary owing to the extent to which it was desirable to apply chari- table educational funds to the purposes of educa- tion. Alderman Jacobs (Newport) supported the reso- lution. He understood that the association was founded strictly on a non-political basis. That feature had his most hearty concurrence. Another principle of which he approved was that it did not place itself in an antagonistic position to the English Association of County Councils. Irs basis, he understood, was purely municipal. If they were to be justified in their action, the association must be regarded as a distinctively Welsh national institution. With regard to a charter for a Welsh university, they were all anxious to secure it. The help Wales had received for educational purposes was very small as compared with Ireland and Scotland. The re- presentatives of those countries had, by their united action, taught Wales a great lesson, by which he was glad to find the Welsh members had profited. They were not satisfied with the constitution of the joint committees under the Intermediate Education Act. Instead of three out of five being elected by the county councils, they wanted all to be elected by those bodies. He thoroughly agreed with what had been said and proposed with regard to the construction of piers and harbours, and the preservation of sea fisheries. The large coast line of Wales made those matters of especial importance. He agreed, further, with the Mayor of Cardiff, that it was most desirable that the question of private Bill legislation should be dealt with by a representa- tive and independent body acquainted with the localities concerned (hear, hear). Councillor Thomas (Cardiff) spoke of the pro- posed museum grants. He remarked that when one of the most valuable libraries in Wales—the Tonn Library—was in the market they were anxious to secure it for Cardiff, but as they could not obtain public funds for that purpose, some private gentlemen became responsible for the money to one of the local banks. The library was purchased, and he was glad to say that they had received the money, with the generous assistance of the Marquess of Bute. That library was of no special value to Cardiff, but was of great value to Wales, and ought to have been purchased for the Principality. They had to house the books outside the library, and to pay rent for that purpose. But for private generosity a library of great value would have been dispersed and lost to Wales. Then there were the ancient monuments and other antiquities of Wales, which greatly needed steps being taken for their preservation. The lolo MSS., published more than a century ago, contained lithographs of antiquities, some of which were still lying prostrate in the open air, and would be destroyed if some means were not taken for their preserva- tion. Alderman Bagnall Evans suggested that the protection of ancient Welsh monuments should form one of the objects of the association. Alderman Gwilym Evans supported the motion. The resolution was carried unanimously. THE TITLE OF THE ASSOCIATION. On the motion of Mr W. T. Parry, it was decided that the title be ''The Joint Council of Wales and Monmouthshire." THE OBJECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION. A long discussion then took place upon the objects of the association which had been agreed upon for submission to the conference. The following objects were ultimately agreed upon :— (a) To confer upon matters of common interest to the county councils of Wales and Monmouthshire, and to take such action as may be necessary in those interests. (b) To obtain the transfer to the council of such powers of Government departments as are by the Local Government Act authorised to be transferred to joint committees of county councils (particularly powers under the Education Acts), and as the council may deem expedient. (c) To aid in obtaining a charter for a Welsh degree- conferring university. (rl) To obtain for Wales and Monmouthshire a share of the museum grants for the United Kingdom proportionate to the amount now devoted to Scotland and Ireland, and to preserve the ancient monuments of Wales and Monmouthshire. (e) To obtain grants from the Imperial Treasury and other sources similar to the grants made to Scotland and Ireland for the construction of piers and harbours, the protection and development of fisheries and the construction of tramways and light railways. I (f) To obtain information as to the extent and management of Crown lands in Wales, and particularly to prevent the sale of such lands without due enquiry. (y) To promote enquiries into the parochial I charities of Wales and Monmouthshire to secure their devotion to proper objects. (h) To formulate proposals for the transfer of Private Bill legislation from Westminster to some central body or bodies in Wales or Monmouth- shire. (i) To watch legislation so far as it relates to Wales and Monmouthshire, and to take such steps as may be necessary to protect and safeguard the natural sources of fresh water supplies in Wales and Monmouth- shire. shire. (/) To promote legislation carrying out the above objects, and take such action with regard to other subjects as may from time to time be deemed desirable. THE BASIS OF REPRESENTATION. Mr Blandy Jenkins (Bridgend) moved that the basis of representation should be two members for every county, but that every county with a population exceeding 50,000 should be entitled to one member for every additional 50,000, or fraction of 50,000. Dr Hughes (Bala) protested against such a resolution being discussed after several members had left the room. He believed that, if carried, it would be fatal to the scheme. Dr Jones (Dolgelly) moved the adjournment of the question. Councillor Ramsdale (Cardiff) hoped that it would not be thought that Mr Blandy Jenkins had attempted to take a snatch vote. The question had been discussed on the previous evening. Mr Gwilym Evans and the Chairman supported the adjournment. Mr Evans-Williams said that in the English association each county was equally represented and also in joint education conferences. He knew one county at least which would not join the association if the population basis was adopted. After a short, but rather warm discussion, Mr Blandy Jenkins consented to postpone his motion, and to give notice of it for the next meeting. THE NEXT MEETING. Shrewsbury, Cardiff, and Llandrindod were each proposed as the next place of meeting. It was ultimately agreed that the meeting should be held at Shrewsbury in April, at a date and time to be hereafter fixed. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the conference.

REVIEWS. We have been favoured with advance copies of the Christmas numbers of several of our leading magazines and weekly journals. The Gentle- woman, a sixpenny illustrated weekly journal for gentlewomen, gives a beautiful art picture on fine satin panel as a supplement. It is a clever realisation of Tennyson's lines, Her eyes are homes of silent prayer." Being on satin it is not only of use as a picture, but may be worked into a screen, cushion, &c. The number also includes capital stories specially written for The Gentle- woman by Grant Allen, Farjeon, Canon Doyle, Lord Porabourne, Florence Warden, Mrs Campbell Praed, Henry Herman and A. T. Pask, all being illustrated in colours. A special feature this time is the opening chapter of "The Fate of Fenella," which has been well described as the most extraordinary novel of modern times.' It is published at Howard House, Arundel street, London. :I(: The Princess, a home journal for maid and matron, price one penny, has a neatly got np and attractive double number for Christmas. It is published at 26, Maiden Lane, Strand, London, and would well repay Its reading. v Yule Tide, this year, fully maintains the high reputation it has enjoyed for years past-as one of the most artistic, interesting and instructive journals of the day. The present number con- tains a new and original novel by W. Clark Russell and is illustrated throughout. A magnificent large presentation plate, suitable for framing and entitled, The Lady with the Lamp Miss Nightingale at Scutari, 1854, is given with this number. This magnificent picture is historical in character, and will form a worthy addition to the numerous successful plates which have contributed so essentially towards gaining for this publication the enormous circulation it now enjoys. Publishers Cassell & Co. Holly Leaves, being the Christmas number of The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News," has also a very fine coloured supplement. It is a reproduction in fac simile of H. Schmiechen's picture entitled, "Little Dame Durden." Its splendid illustrations and interesting literary contents combine to give it a strong demand for public favour. It is published at 148, Strand, London. The Pictorial World is another favourite of the public, as is testified by its large and increasing circulation. It is jealous of its reputation, and neither money nor labour has been spared to bring out this year's Christmas number in a thoroughly attractive manner. The plate is excellent, and the illustrations with which the journal teems cannot but win the high ad- miration of all. Don Quixote Messrs Casell & Co. have sent us copies of their half-penny weekly and three- penny monthly parts of their magnificent quarto edition of Don Quixote." The work is to be completed in 27 parts with 400 illustrations by Gustave Dore, who is well known as The King of Illustrators." By the issue of the Dore Don Quixote in its present form all occasion for remaining in ignorance of this master-piece is taken away. There is surely no one at the present day who cannot afford a half- penny a week or threepence a month to secure a work of world-wide celebrity, illustrated in a manner at once unrivalled and unique. # # The Royal Shakespere is also brought out in monthly parts at 7d. each by Messrs Cassell & Co. The first part contained a carefully executed fac simile copy of Shakespere's will. Whether we regard the beauty of the illustrations of this Royal Shakespere, the completeness of its text, the clearness of type, or the manner in which it is produced it may fairly claim a foremost position amongst the attempts that have been made to supply a worthy presentment of the great Dramatist's writings, and it has been widely recognised as the most complete fine art Shakespere ever published. The illustrations consist principally of steel plates engraved from originals. We have received two copies of the Longley's Holiday Guides-the Cornish Winter Resorts and the Pembroke Coast. These excellent little penny guides are already in their fifty-fifth and twentieth thousand respectively, a fact that eloquently tells of the popularity in which they are held. The Cornwall guide has a concise description of Falmouth, Penzance, New Quay, St. Ives and the Sciliy Isles, with notes of their climatic features, a specially engraved map, and several well executed engravings compiled from personal observation by Mr F. E. Longley. It also gives the Great Western Railway Company's winter service of trains between Cornwall and the great towns of the country. The Pembroke Coast guide gives a brief but comprehensive description of Tenby, Pembroke, Haverfordwest, and St. David's a tour round the coast a complete panoramic itinerary (showing every station) of the South Wales route, the Pembroke and Tenby Railway, and a specially prepared map of Pembrokeshire with engravings as in the other. The frontispiece gives a view of Tenby from the north. The publisher is F. E. Longley, 39, Warwick Lane, London, and copies may be had of all local booksellers. "Cornwall as a Winter Resort is the title of a neatly arranged pamphlet in its second edition, and published by Waterlow Brothers and Layton, 24, Birchin Lane, London. In it the attention of medical men and patients is directed to the peculiar advantages offered by the county of Cornwall, which, at the cost of a short land journey only, in direct connection with every part of the Great Western Railway system, gives the invalid a choice of climates rivalling those of the South of France in mildness, while surpassing the best of them in geniality and equability and does, in fact, confer all the climatic advantages of continental residence, without the drawbacks of long and fatiguing travel, foreign language, un- usual habits, and strange attendance. Moreover, this is done at a cost within the reach of thousands who, under ordinary conditions, are hopelessly precluded from obtaining any such alleviations of their sufferings. To those who are happily able to maintain an interest in outdoor pursuits Cornwall offers almost unique attractions in its scenery, its coast line, its botany, geology, mineralogy, arclueology, entomology and the like. It gives an interesting account of all the leading parts of the county with tabular statements of the mean temperature of the air for each month. We recommend the pamphlet to the perusal of all who seek winter resort in places other than their own homes from divers causes.

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