Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

WIT AND HUMOUR. Hardly any man is clever enough to known how much harm he does.—La Rochefoucauld. Lady Visitor- Would you not give the biggest half of your candy to your little sister? Little Ralph Waido-I would not. Lady Visitor-Why not ? Little Ralph Waido—Because two halves of the same whole are equal. Weary Clerk (after cutting off twenty-five samples of dress goods)—Is that all niadam ? Miss Grabbe—Um—I would like one more sample. My mother is so particular. Cut me off a piece from that roll under your hand. Little Sister (loudly)—Why, Moll, that won't do at all. Mother said she wasn't going to have any blue in that crazy quilt, 'cause it always fades.

Some five years ago there was in Wesleyan Methodism a heated and prolonged controversy over a proposal, which had the powerful support of Rev. Dr. Rigg, Mr. Price Hughes, and other in- fluential leaders,in the Wesleyan Church, to insti- tute, under the name of Separated Chairmen," a sort of Methodist Episcopacy. When the scheme came before the Birmingham Conference of 1894 it was decided by an overwhelming majority not to accept the proposal. Within the past fortnight the Whitby and Darlington District Synod, adopting a resolution asking the forthcoming Wesleyan Con- ference to appoint to that district an Assistant Chairman," ostensibly to relieve the Chairman in charge, giving him increased facilities to visit the various circuits in his extended diocese. In many quarters this request on the part of the Whitby and Darlington District is regarded as a convert attempt to revise the Episcopacy sceeme of five year ago, and already has called forth the strong opposition of Mr. R. W. Perks, M.P., and those who follow his lead. As representing those who object to the growth of sacerdotalism and ecclesiastical power, inside Methodism as much as outside, he expresses their readiness, if the battle of Methodist epis- copacy has to be fought over again, to do so. But the interests of the Twentieth Century Fund he hopes such will not be required. At the recent monthly meeting of the West Glamorgan Welsh Methodists, at Morriston, a deacon gave notice of motion with reference to candidates for the ministry, That no more be admitted for the coming three years." The motion has excited a great deal of attention.—The Rev. J. R. Davies, Swansea, on seceding from the Corph," sent the following letter to the secretary of the monthly meeting:—" It is known to you and to the monthly meeting that I was baptised on April 4th by the Rev. F. B. Meyer at Christ Church, London. It was an act which I felt incumbent upon me to take in obedience to my own conscience after many months of prayerful study of the Word of God, as my most intimate friends know. I regret it should have given rise to such an ebulli- tion of sectarianism as was manifested at Pen- llwyn Association, which has necessitated my with- drawal from the denomination. I have served the denomination and the monthly meeting at Aber- avon and Swansea to the best of ability; and can say in parting, Ni wnaethum ddrwg i neb,' with Christian regards,"

IN HIS STEPS." BRIEF SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE. In view of the fact that it was at one time supposed that the Rev. Charles M. Sheldon, the author of the book, In His Steps," hailed from an Aberystwyth family, which supposition has not yet been entirely disproved, it may not be uninteresting to many of our readers if we give a brief sketch of his life and work. Even were the local interest absent, the story of a man who has written the book, which, it is said, has bad the largest sale of any book published since Uncle Tom's Cabin," should be good reading. There are undoubtedly faults in the book reckoned from the standpoint of literary merit; but there can be no doubt whatever as to the hold it has gained on the minds of so many of the English speaking people all over the world. It has been also translated into several other languages, Welsh amongst them, and has undoubt- edly made its influence felt in the Principality. Charles M. Sheldon was born at Wellsville, New York, on February 26, 1857, and is accordingly 42 years of age. He was, however, reared in the West, on a South Dakota farm, and it is probably to that circumstance that he owes the grand physique which he posesses. His father was a minister too, and thus no doubt had a great influence in mould- ing and shaping young Sheldon's mind. He was educated at Andover, Mass., and afterwards entered the ministry, his first pulpit being at Waterbury, Vt. He left that in 1888 to become pastor of the Second Congregational Church at Topeka, where he still is. As a result of his writings he is said to have received a number of invitations-some extremely advantageous-from other churches, but has refused them all. He is married, and has one child, a boy two years old. Mr. Sheldon's life has been so free from eventful incidents of any kind, with the exception of his writing, that it is difficult to say anything about him beyond the plain fact that he does his duty right there," as an American would say; and, after all, it is not everyone of whom this can be said. He is an extremely modest man, and dislikes being interviewed; and, by the way, when he is inter- viewed he says as little about himself as he possibly could. Perhaps the most wonderful thing about him or his writings is the immense popularity they have gained in so short a time. It was only in 1891, but eight brief years ago, that the first book-a very small venture at the time, Robert Bruce "— was published, and the book that may be said to have placed Mr. Sheldon's name on the lips of so many thousands-" In His Steps "-did not appear till 1896. During the three years between then and now that book has attained a circulation of over 2,000,000 in England alone, and has been I translated into Welsh, German, French, Swedish, Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, Armenian, and Rus- sian. With such a huge circulation it would be sup- posed that Mr. Sheldon would be making a mint of money out of his writings, the total circulation of which is put at 6,000.000. But this is not so. He failed to copyright his earlier writings except in the United States, probably never dreaming of the immense run they would have in other parts of the world, and his income so far is said to be only a few thousand pounds. He has written twelve books, nine of which have already been published and the other three, John King's Question Class," The Miracle at Markham," and For Christ and the Church," will probably be out some time this summer being published simultaneously in England and America. Mr. Sheldon's church differs in a few particulars from the generality of churches, and there is an absence of formality. The benediction is pro- nounced while the people are sitting; often the congregation sings without the help of the organ, the pastor starting the hymn there is no set order in which prayers are said, hymns sung or sermons preached; all being done as seems most appropriate. The Church in In His Steps is not Mr. Sheldon's, although many people have thought so; the facts were evolved from the writers inner consciousness. The book has however had influence upon the members of the congregation a great many of whom have taken the pledge to try to do as Jesus would in all things. They meet at the close of communion services held during the year, six in number, relate experiences, ask ques- tions and sing and pray together. In conclusion, it may be hoped that the man who gave us In His Steps" may yet produce other works which will stir the national heart to a deeper and more Christian feeling. [The book- sellers in Great Darkgate-street, Aberystwyth, make a speciality of Mr. Sheldon's works. Excellent editions may be had at popular prices.]

MACHYNLLETH. LORD LONDONDERRY'S COLLIERIES.—Lord Lon- donderry's Seaham Harbour and New Silksworth Collieries have been formed into a private limited liability company, with a capital of P,550,COO, in £100 shares. The directors are Lord Londonderry fchairman), Viscount Castlereagh, Mr. S. J. Ditch- field.P., and Mr. V. C. S. W. Corbett. No shares are available to the public.

TO GUARDIANS AND OTHERS. Persons suffering from delirium tremens will in future meet with scant sympathy from the Lambeth Guardians, who are determined to prosecute any such patients who are treated in the infirmary. A report was submitted to the Board last week stating that in two recent prosecutions the magistrate declined to accept payment on account of cost of maintenance, and sentenced the parties to seven days' and fire days' hard labour respectively. The Board decided to have bills posted about the parish giving notice that the law would be rigorously enforced,—The Chairman said it was disgraceful that persons found drunk in the street should be punished, while those who went a step further should be pampered and fed at the cost of the ratepayers, until they recovered from the effects of their excessive drunkenness.

PRINTING -DC! POSTERS. HANDBILLS. CIRCULARS. PROGRAMMES. INVOICES. BILLHEADS. MEMORANDUMS. BUSINESS CARDS. TIME SHEETS. RECEIPT BOOKS. DELIVERY BOOKS. "OK uuisi) (;ilzeue Office, BRIDGE STREET & GRAY'S INN RD., ABERYSTWYTH. — List of some of the principal places where "Cbt Wtlsb Gazette" is sold: ABERYSTWYTH. ABEM TRON. ABERDOVBY. ABERGYNOLWYN. < ABERIXEFBKSY. ABERARTH. ARTHOG. BALA. BARMOUTH. BLAENAU FESTINIOG; BORTH. Bow STBBBT. BANGOR. CARDIGAN. CARMARTHEN. CARNARVON CEMMES. CELLAN. CORRIS. CORWEN. CRICCIETIK CWMYSTWYTU. CRIBYN. DOLGELLBY. DINAB MAWDDWY., DERRY ORMOHTD. DIHEWYD. DYFFRYN. EGLWYSFACH. GOGINAN. HARLECH. LAMPETER. LLANFARIAK. LLANWNEN. LLANWENOG. LLANARTH. LLANDDEWI. LLANOEITUO. LLEDROD. LliANILAR. LLANON. LLANBEDR. LLANGYBV LLANYBYTHE». LLANDYSSUL., LLANBRYNMAIR. LLANRHYSTYIX. LLANUWCHLLYN. LLWYNGWRIL. MACHYNLLETH. MINFFORDD. NEWCASTLE EMLYN. NEWQUAY. PENNAL. PONT LLANIO. PONTRHYDFENDJGAID. PONTRHYDYGROES. PENRHYNDEUDRAETHI PORTMADOC. PENLLWYN. PONTERWYD.. PENRHYNCOCH. TALYBONT. TREGARON. TALSARN. TALSARNAU. TOWYN. YSTRAD. YSPYTTY YSTWYTH LONDON, LIVERPOOL. MANCHESTER, FOR THE LEADING PAINTING, pLUMBIXG, & ][)ECORATIVE 113 USINESS FOR ABERYSTWYTH AND MID-WALES DISTRICT, FIO TO R. PEAKE, JJATH STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. THOMAS ELLIS, 33 AND 35, TERRACE ROAD, (OPPOSITE THE POST OFFICE). FANCY DRAPERY. MILLINERY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. SPECIALITES—LACES, RIBBONS & MUSLINS. T. E. has just returned from London with New Styles in all Branches of Millinery and Drapery. W. R. JONES, WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER, &C., 32, GREAT DARKGATE gT., ABERYSTWYTH. A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF JEWELLERY, in Gold, Silver, and Pebbles, Suitable for Presents, &c. ALSO LADIES' AND GENTS' G OLD AND SILVER WATCHFA SPECTACLES AND EYE-GLASSES TO SUIT ALL SIGHTS. A GOOD ASSORTMENT OF w EDDING, KEEPER, & £ JEM JJING6," D. JONES, IGH CLASS TAILOR, CHALYBEATE STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. G ENTLEMENIS JJUNTING & SHOOTING s UITS. B REECHES A SPECIALITY. Tr IVERIES. JJIGH-CLASS L ADIES'T AILOR-MADF, c OSTUMES Made by Experienced Workmen on the premises. JOHN LLOYD & SONS-0 TOWN CRIERS, BILL POSTERS & DISTRIBUTORS, HAVE the largest number of most prominent Posting Stations in all parts of Aberystwyth and District. Having lately purchased the business and stations of Aberystwyth Advertising and General Bill Posting Stations, they are able to take largft contracts of every description. Over 100 Stations in the Town and District. Official Bill Posters to the Town and County Coun- cils, G.W.R. Co., Cambrian Railway Co., all the Auctioneers of the Town and District, aud otbor Public Bodies. Private Address- 18, SKINNER STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. ——— Dentistry. ESTABLISHED 40 YEARS. MESSRS MURPHY & ROWLEY, SURGEON DENTISTS, Honorary Dentists to the Aberystwyth Infirmary and Cardiganshire General Hospital. ADDRESS— 54, T ERRACE ROAD, A BE RYSTWYTH MR. ROWLEY begs to announce that he is now able to undertake Gold and all other Fillings, Crowns, Bridge-work and all the latest improvements in Modern Dentistry. Artificial Teeth in the latest English and American Styles. TEETH EXTRACTED PAINLESSLY UNDER GAS. Mr R. visits Machynlleth, Towyn, Aberayron, Tre- garon and Lampeter. Patients can be attended to any day at Aber- ystwyth. All at the most Moderate Charges. Full particulars on application. L LOVEDAY, PLUMBER, PAINTER, GLAZIER., GAS-FITTER, 17, QUEEN STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. HUGH DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE NO MORS Difficulty of Breathing. NO MORE Sleepless Nights. NO At ORB Distressing Coughs. DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE for COUGHS DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE for COLDS DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE for ASTHMA DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE for BRONCHITIS DAVIES'S COUGH. MIXTURE for HOARSENESS DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE for INFLUENZA DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE for COLDS DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE tor COUGHS DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE for SORE THROAT DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE—Most Soothing DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE warms the Chest DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE dissolves the Phlegm DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE-for SINGERS DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE-for PUBLIC ERS DAVIES'S COUGH MIXTURE SPEAKERS THE GREAT WELSH REMEDY. 13d. and 219 Bottles. Sold Everywhere. Sweeter than Honey. Children like it. HUGH DAVIES, Chemist, MACHYNLLETH.

MERIONETH COUNTY ¡" COUNCIL. THE FINANCES. Mr. E. P. Jones, Festiniog, presided at the quarterly meeting of the Merioneth County Council whsch was held at Dolgelley, on Thursday, and those also present were Aldermen the Hon. C. H. Wynn, Rug; W. P. Evans, Festiniog; E. Griffith, Dolgelley; Roger Hughes, Bala; John Hughes, Corwen A. Osmond Williams, Penrhyndeudraeth; E. H. Jonathan, Blaenau Festiniog; John Jones, Dolgelley; Edward Jones, Caerffynon; Evan Jones, Bala; W. Jones, Talsarnau; Lewis Lewis, Bar- mouth; Councillors W. Foulkes Jones, Corwen; J. Jones, Caenog; John Parry, Bala; J. Lloyd Jones, Llanfor; Thomas Jones, Corwen; R. E. Roberts, Llanuwchllyn; John Jones and William Hughes, Dolgelley John Roberts, Dolgelley Rural; Griffith Price, Llanfachreth; J. Evans, Barmouth Charles Williams and John Davies, Dyffryn; E. W. Kirkby, Llanfendigaid; J. H. Bullock, Dinas Mawddwy; M Thomas, J. P. Jones, Corris; G. H. Ellis, R. Roberts. D. G. Williams, D. G. Jones, William Davies, Festiniog; William Owen, Traws- fynydd; R. Richards, Pensarn; R. C. Anwyl, Llugwy; H. Haydn Jones, Towyn; Humphrey Jones, Towyn; and William Jones, Aberdovey; Messrs Robert Jones, clerk J. M. Jones, county surveyor; E. J. Evans, inspector of weights and measures; J. Richards, treasurer; and Superin- tendent Jones. CONDOLENCE. This, the Chairman observed, was the first time the Council had met since the death of Mr. T. E. Ellis. He asked the Hon. C. H. Wynn to move a vote of condolence. The Hon. C. H. Wynn said it seemed but a very short time ago that they passed a vote of congratu- lation with the late Mr. T. E. Ellis, M.P., on his marriage. He was sure they did so with great -sincerity, and a few weeks afterwards he received an acknowledgement from Mr. Ellis. He (Mr. Wynn) remembered that in passing he made the remark that they were passing a vote of congratu- iation to a gentleman who was very widely known and esteemed, and all joined with one heart and mind in wishing him well. He (Mr. Wynn) would have been glad that, as far as this world was con- cerned, things had gone as they then predicted, but the contrary had been the case, and he might truly say that the death of their respected member had touched the hearts of all. The angel of death, they knew, went to the rich man's house and the poor man's cottage, but it did not always leave behind it such general and universal sorrow as it had in this case. He might well and truly say that a man had gone to the grave near the home he loved so well in his native country, who not only commanded the respect of that country, but the respect and reverence of everybody who had had the privilege of knowing him. He did not wish to dwell upon Mr. Ellis as a representative of the county which he served so well, but he might say that great as was their loss in this respect, they might be able to fill it, they might be able to find a leader to fill Mr. Ellis's place, but in the hearts of his widow and his bereaved parents and family, the place would never be filled. With them he moved that they should express their most sincere condolence. Alderman E. H. Jonathan, in seconding the motion, said that felt proud of the tributes that had been paid to Mr. Ellis on all hands, and by men of all political creeds and social ideas. The motion was carried in silence, all the members standing. THE ROADS OF THE COUNTY. The Hon. C. H. Wynn submitted the report of the Main Roads Committee, which contained the following-Resolved unanimously that the Hon. C. H. Wynn be elected chairman for the year. Accounts were passed and recommended for pay- ment (the Surveyor having certified that main roads in urban districts had been maintained to his satisfaction) to the amount of L554 14s lid. The Committee submit the following recommenda- tions, namely:—" That the estimate of the County Surveyor of the cost of maintaining main roads and bridges during the ensuing quarter, amounting to £1,150, be approved; the sub-committee appointed to take into consideration the proposal to erect bridges over the rivers Shervel and Rhiwlach, Llanymowddwy, having reported as follows:— "We beg to report that we consider it advisable for the Main Roads Committee to build two bridges, one over the Rhiwlach and the other over the Shervel; the County Surveyor estimated the cost of the two bridges at R,400, which sum we consider reasonable." That the County Surveyor be directed to prepare plans, specifications, and estimates of the proposed bridges and submit the same to a future meeting of the Committee and that in the meantime the Clerk be instructed to ascertain from the Dolgelley Rural District Couucil what sum they will be prepared to contribute to- wards the cost in the event of the County Council finally deciding to erect the bridges that it be a recommendation to the Sub-committee appointed to consider the mode to be adopted for paying urbon district councils their claims for maintaining naain roads in urban districts that such claims be paid half-yearly instead of quarterly as at present; that Alderman the Hon. C. H. Wynn and Councillor Charles Williams be appointed additional members of the Sub-Committee appointed to enquire into the damage caused to the main roads at Sam Hir, Llanbedr; that an insurance be effected against accidents to county workmen; that aoout 100 yards of the main road leading from Trawsfynydd to Llanelltyd on the hill between Tynygroes Inn and Gelligemlyn be widened on an average of three feet, and that the cordial thanks of the Council be tendered to Mr. C. R. Williams, Dolmelynllyn, for his generous gift of the land required for that pur- pose and that the county Surveyor be empowered to dismiss the main road foremen when he con- siders that course necessary. The amount voted 4during the last quarter to meet expenditure on main roads was £ 1,000. The Surveyor read his report which stated that the roads of the county were improving, but it would take some time before they would be in a satisfactory condition. The old mode of repairing roads did not receive the approval of the general public, and much better roads were demanded than those in existence some years ago The expendi- ture therefore increased greatly what with the two steam rollers and stone crushers that were in use. Close upon 1,600 more loads of material were put n the roads last year than the previous year. The roads in the urban districts were in a fair state of repair. Nothing had been done to the Barmouth roads since the last report, when they were not very commendable. Dr. Edward Jones asked whether this large ex- penditure on the main roads was likely to continue, The Surveyor: For some time. The Hon. C. H. Wynn proposed the adoption of the paragraph in the report in regard to the insur- ance of the workmen. He said the Clerk bad given his opinion that the County Council would be liable if any accident occurred to the workmen connected with the steam roller and the stone crushers. It was resolved to refer this matter back to the Committee with power to insure four of the work- men. Dealing with the recommendation to widen the joad between Trawsfynydd and Llanelltyd, he said thit was a very dangerous portion of road and he hoped the Council would take advantage of Mr. C. R. William's offer of land to widen it. The recommendation was adopted and a vote of thanks was, on the proposition of Mr. Osmond Williams, passed to Mr. C. R. Williams for his offer. The Hon. C. H. Wynn also proposed that, in accoi dance with the recommendation of the Com- mittee, authority be given to the Surveyor to dis- miss the road foreman when that course was necessary. He said the Surveyor was responsible to the Council for everything which occurred in connection with the roads and the Committee thought he should have every authority over the men. Under the present regime, the foremen were practically only answerable to the County Council. He did not suggest that they had not a very good set of foremen, or that there would be any neces- sith to dismiss any of them, but he thought there should be one head to whom the men would be answerable instead of their being able to go to a body of men like the Committee. The Committee had hedged their proposal with the condition that a man could not be dismissed without the Sur- veyor having first consulted the Chairman of the Committee, so that there was no fear of anyone being dismissed unless there was a good reason for it. Mr. E. W. Kirkby seconded. Mr. John Davies, Dyffryn, moved an amendment that the foremen should hold the same relation to the Council as they had hitherto. Mr. Morris Thomas, Corris, seconded the amend- ment on the ground that the proposal of Mr. Wynn opened the whole question of the functions of the foremen who were appointed to look after the work and to some extent share the responsibility with the surveyor. He thought it would be very incon- sistent for the County Council to appoint and pay men and then leave their dismissal in the hands of the surveyor. He did not think the men had ever been accused of disobedience to the surveyor, but as he said before, they were appointed to assist the surveyor in carrying out the work, and, if they were going to do what was proposed, let them do away with the foremen, that was, make then ordinary workmen. Seventeen voted for the amendment against fonr- teen for the proposal, the amendment being there- fore carried. The whole report was then adopted with the amendments already passed, Mr. Morris Thomas said he understood that in the previous quarter there was an increase on account of the machinery having to be paid for He saw now that there was another P.100 in respect to the machinery. The Hon. C. H. Wynn said the the machinery had to be kept working and that meant expense. It was necessary that the County Council should keep their roads in good condition, and while lie was chairman of the Committee he would do his utmost to keep the roads in a good state (hear, hear). He might point out that the large expen- diture was, to some extent, due to the large amount paid to urban districts who spent much more than the rural districts. Mr. E. P. Jones: I should like to know from Mr. Wynn what mileage of road has been repaired be- tween the Dovey Bridge and Machynlleth. I think too much money has been paid over that. Mr. Wynn It was three-quarters of a mile. Mr. E. P. Jones was about to ask another question when the Chairman said he should have given notice of those questions. Mr. Jones maintained that he was in order. The Hon. C. H. Wynn Chair. Dr. Edward Jones said the question was a very important one, and every opportunity should be given for a free discussion. The rates were going up and there was no doubt that the reason was the expenditure upon main roads. He did not condemn this expenditure. He agreed that it was a necess- ary expenditure, and that they ought to keep their roads in good condition, but he thought the matter should be gone into carefully and discussed freely. In regard to Mr. Morris Thomas question, he might explain that the additional iClOO Mr. Thomas men- tioned had nothing to do with the machinery. Mr. Wynn said that was so. He agreed with much of what Dr. Jones had said, but why should not these strictures in regard to expenditure be directed against the urban districts, who spent much more money than was spent on rural roads. Dr. Edward Jones said when he mentioned main roads he meant both urban and rural roads. The matter dropped. THE COUNCIL'S MONIES. Mr. William Davies, Cae'rblaidd, chairman of the Finance Committee, stated that the balance in band at the end of last quarter was £7,679 and they bad received from the rates duiing the quarter the sum of £935, from the Treasury £1,517, fines and fees from justices clerk E67 7s. 5d, and other small sums bringing up the total to £ 10,216. The payments during the same period amounted to iC8,106, which amounted among other items payments to local authorities in respect* to main roads £1,285 13s. 3d, repayment of loans and interest £ 247 7s lid, maintenance of main roads E970, intermediate education £198, police main- tenance £700. The balance therefore was £2,109 8s lid. He now submitted the budget for the following year according to which the total receipts outside the rates were estimated at E10,745, of which £6,500 would be received from licenses and estate duties, P,1,100 from customs aud excise duties, and £1,557 under the Agricul- tural Rates Act. The payments were estimated at P.21,059, which included £3,200 payments to the unions, P.3,300 to the police, £6,500 maintenance of main roads, £ 1,700 intermediate education, P,569 technical instruction. This would leave EIO,134 to be provided for, and a Hid rate would produce E10,483, and would bring up the total receipts to £ 21,228. This would leave, after pro- viding for the expenses between April and June, amounting to £1,500, an estimated surplus of £169. The total rate for country purposes and intermediate and technical instruction was 8Jd. which would mean an increase for the year of 2id in the pound. He attributed the increase to the increased expenditure on the main roads. to the de- crease in the rateable value of the county brought about by the Agricultural Act and other expenditure. There had been exceptional items of expenditure on urban roads, a large amount having been paid to Bala. Much had been said as to the expendi- ture on roads by urban councils, but he thought that in comparing the expenditure of the urban portion with that of the rural they should take into consideration the rateable values in addition to the mileage. Taking this basis they would find that in rural district 6td in the pound had been expended and 6Jd in urban districts and the difference was not so very great (hear, hear). The Hon. C. H. Wynn-But you cannot deny that all this money per mile has been spent on main roads by urban districts. The estimate was adopted. Mr. W. Davies next brought up the report of the Finance Committee which recommended pay- ments amounting to £4,358 4s 8d which included E601 16 5d maintenance of main roads, polioe pay, E893 15s 6d, salaries, etc., £ 725 7s 5d towards meeting disbursements of the County Surveyor, 1£1.500, towards the Western Fisheries, £ 30; to the County Governing Body, £465 18s. 6d., and kl03 due under the Agricultural Rates Act. The Committee also recommended that meetings for the election of parish councils in Llanenddwyn and Llanfrothen be held on June 3rd and polls, if demanded, on June 24th.; (1) That all grants already received and hereafter to be received by the County Treasurer in respect to the financial year ending the 31st March, 1900, under the Taxa- tion (Customs and Excise) Act, 1890, be transferred from the county fund to the credit of the County Governing Body under the county intermediate education scheme as and when received. (2) That a rate of 6id. in the pound be made, assessed, and levied for general county purposes for the half- year ending on the 31st March, 1900. and a rate of id. in the pound under the Technical Instruction Act, 1889, to defray the costs of technical instruc- tion for the ensuing year, and that the same be made payable as follows, namely:-3id. in the pound on the 6th November next, and 3id. in the pound on the 8th January, 1900. (3) That the sum of E465 18s. 6d., being the proceeds of a rate of id. in the pound ordered to be levied for inter- mediate education at the Council meeting held on the 16th March last, be transferred from the county fund to the credit of the County Governing Body. (4) That the sum of E103 8s. Id., being the difference between the amount produced by a id. rate in the pound under the temporary basis framed pursuant to the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, and the amount which it would have produced if levied under the former county rate basis, be transferred from the county fund to the credit of the County Governing Body. (5) That the sum of £50 be voted towards the costs of widening the main road from Llanelltyd to Trawsfynydd on the hill between Ty'nygroes Inn and Gelligemlyn. (6) That the county Treasurer be authorised to draw from the loan account No. 2, by instalments, from time to time, a further sum not exceeding in the whole £500, to enable him to pay such sums as shall, from time to time, be certified by Mr. T. Taliesin Rees, the architect, to be due to Mr. Peter McLachlan, the contractor for the new police buildings at Blaenau Festiniog, under his contract for erecting those buildings, and also to pay to the said Mr. T. Taliesin Rees and the Clerk of the Works employed such sums for their services as the Standing Joint Committee shall from to time recommend. The report was adopted. THE CHAIRMAN'S RULING QUESTIONED. The Conservators for the Dovey, Mawddach, and Glaslyn were re appointed as follows, Mr. J. Bullock being substituted for Mr. Morris Roberts: —Messrs. H. Haydn Jones, Towyn; G. H. Ellis, Festiniog; Lewis Lewis, Barmouth; W. J. James, Festinoig; R. Jones, W. Hughes, Dolgelley; W. G. Jones, Rees Evans, Llanbedr; E. Rowlands, Pennal; Morris Thomas, Corris; W. Jones, Aber- dovey; and J. Bullock, Dinas Mawddwy. After the substitution of Mr. Bullock for Mr. Roberts had been passed by show of hands, on the proposition of Mr. Osmond Williams, on the ground that he had not attended the meetings. Mr. Morris Thomas protested, saying that Mr. Roberts had attended. The Chairman: It is too late now; it has been carried. Mr. Thomas: It has not been carried straight- forwardly. The Chairman It has been passed. I am afraid you were doing something else at the time, Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas: I think it is very unfair. (Cries of Order.") Another member said he was going to propose an amendment. The Chairman: Order; the proposition has been passed. Mr. Thomas Very unfairly. VACANCIES PILLED. On the proposition of Dr. Edward Jones, Mr. O. M. Edwards, M.P., was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. T. E. Ellis on the Joint Education Committee of the Court of Governors of the University of Wales and the Central Welsh Board. The following were re- appointed on the Court of Governors as represent- ing the Council for five years; Dr. Edward Jones, Messrs. Haydn Jones, R. T. Jones (Harlech), and J. Hughes Jones. A LACK OF PUPILS. Dr. Edward Jones moved that the following recommendations of the County Governing Body be adopted, viz., that a rate of d. in the £ be levied under the Technical Instruction Act; that the Aberystwyth College be requested to provide five travelling dairying classes in the following places:—Corwen, Trawsfynydd, Llwyngwril, Dinas Mawddwy, and Llanbedr; that two scholarships of P.10 each be awarded for young women to be I held at Aberystwyth College in advanced dairying and cheese-making classes; that five scholarships for young men to be held at Aberystwyth College be awarded of the value of £10 each with the object of attending lectures in agriculture at the College that the balance of the technical rate be divided equally between the school districts of the county. He observed that the County Governing Body found that they could not get candidates to enter for the scholarships in advanced dairying offered at Aberystwyth owing to the fact that they bad first to pass an elementary examination and there were no means in the county of educating pupils in the elementary principles of that subject. They therefore thought that it would be advisable to have travelling dairy schools at these places in order that they might obtain material as it were for advanced classes. He hoped the councillors in the respective districts would do their best to make these classes successful. Mr. John Evans, Barmouth, seconded. Mr. Evan Jones, Bala, said there was no doubt a great lack of interest in the matter in the country districts, and it was almost impossible to have pupils for the classes. He therefore thought that the money would be better used if it were given to intermediate schools, for the purposes of such in- struction. However, he was not prepared to pro- pose a negative to Dr. Jones's motion, but he would propose that if any of these places failed to establish a dairy school that the money which would therefore remain should be given to the intermediate schools. Mr. R. Pugh Jones I second that. Mothers in their homes can teach dairying better than these classes. Mr. Morris Thomas said he feared that the fore- most men in the ceuntry districts did not do their best to make these classes successful. He hoped they would do so in the future because it was an important matter for an agricultural county like Merioneth. In reference to Mr. Evan Jones's sug- gestion, he believed that no arrangements had been made in intermediate schools for instruction in dairying. Dr. Edward Jones said the proceeds of the technical rate were meant to be devoted to the education of persons in dairying and other subjects who had not had the advantage of such instruction and who were unable to attend school. That object would not be realized by giving this money to the intermediate schools. Mr. Evan Jones, replying, said the effort to in- struct the class which Dr. Jones mentioned had not. succeeded and the only thing they could now do was to try and get hold of the young people in the intermediate schools. The amendment was put to the meeting and was carried. Dr. Jones' resolutions, with this amendment, were then agreed to. A DOLGELLEY PETITION. A letter was read from the Local Government Board enclosing a petition by the Dolgelley Rural Council against the order of the County Council for the extension of the urban district of Dolgelley and asking for the observations of the County Council. Dr. Edward Jones: I take it there will now be an inquiry by the Local Government Board ? The Clerk Yes, I take it, since the objection has been sent in in time. NO FENCE, A letter was read from the deputy coroner for Blaenau Festiniog stating that he had been re- quested by the jury in the inquest touching the death of a young child to call the attention of the Council to the fact that at a certain spot there was no fence between the main road and the river. It was decided that the Surveyor should see to the matter at once. APPLICATIONS. Applications from the tlangelynin Parish Coun- cil for an order dividing Llwyngwril into two wards for parochial purposes; for an order consti- tuting Llwyngwril a polling district for parlia- mentary purposes, and an application from Gw-yddelwern Parish Council for an order constitut- ing Gwyddelwern a polling district for parliament- ary purposes were referred to a committee. The two first applications were made by Mr. Kirkby. This was all the business.

COUNTY COUNCILS ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of the County Councils Association was held on Thursday at the offices of the County Council It Middlesex, Westminister. The aniural report or the Executive Council stated that the number of administrative counties belong- ing to the Association was 52, and that the expenditure for the year exceeded the income by £21. Among those who took part in the procceed- ings were Sir John Hibbert, Lord Thring, Sir J. Dorington, M.P., Mr. H. Hobhouse, M.P., Lord Belper, and the Duke of Northumberland. The first business was the appointment of the president for 1899-1900, to which office Sir John Hibbert was unanimously rs-elected on the motion of Lord Belper, seconded by Lord Thring. Sir John Hibbert, in reply, said the work of the Association had continued to be as successful in the past year as it had been in previous years. He did not think that the proceedings which bad taken place in Parliament had shown that the value of the estimation of County Councils had at all taken a backward step, because if they looked at the various Bills which had been laid upon the table they would see that a large number of them affected largely the interests of county councils and country ratepayers, and proposed to put the administration of the various projects in the hands of the councils. Of these there were five Old Age Pension Bills which are proposed to bring in the County Council; if these were brought in it would be against his wish, because the proposals were difficult to carry out and imposed a very large burden upon the ratepayers in the counties. They did not affect the pauperism of the country, but were leally socialistic measures. The same might be said of the Cottage Homes Bill, which proposed that County Councils should, at the request of parish or district councils, build cottages in various parts of the country for the poorer classes, and of the Working Classes Small Houses Bill, both of which would entail a very serious responsibility on the counties. During the present year the Association had promoted several Bills, which was one of the most useful parts of their work. The first was the Rivers Pollution Prevention Bill, which, was, unfortunately counted out on a Wednesday afternoon, but he hoped to see legislation upon that question before very long. The next was the Floods Prevention Bill, which was carried through the House of Lords last year, and which this year had been in- troduced into the House of Commons, which was a question affecting many parts of the country and deserving of their best consideration. Another Bill promoted by them was the Isolation Hospital Amendment Bill, and they were also promoting a Bill on the question of the amendment of the Highway and Bridges Act, to enable county councils to contribute towards repairing and strengthening bridges. Another Bill he would like to see promoted would be one dealing with the promotion of Bills in Parliament by county councils. He really could not see why these powers could not be given to county councils just as it was now given to the smallest urban authority or municipality, and they ought not to be satisfied until that power was given to them. As to the work of the county councils, one of the most important was the improvement they had made in our county roads. Again, they had done good work in their lighting by-laws, While another great work was that which had been done in the way of technical education; although much had been done in that direction no county had yet levied a rate, but he was strongly of opinion that before very long they would have to consider the question of levying a small rate for that purpose. In this connection an excellent feature was the amount now being spent on the science of agricul- ture.—The questions affecting county councils, among them being the question of old age pensions the conclusion come to being that county councils were not adapted as to be the bodies administrating such pensions.

— BORTH. WATER SUPPLY.—We gladly insert the following letter:—"In your leading article last week on The Season you enumerated all the watering places on this coast except Borth. In justice to us here, you will, I am sure, permit me to say that we at Borth also have now an abundant supply of pure water, second to none. The large houses, too, that have been newly built, and other improvements, add much to the claims of Borth as a first-class seaside resort. Thanking you in anticipation, etc., I remain, sir, yours very truly, W. T. Lewis, chairman of Parochial Committee." [Mr. Lewis' letter is an addendum rather than a correction; for we did not enumerate all the watering-places on the coast, but only the principle ones. Borth, however, may rest assured of the support of this journal in bringing its merits as a popular watering-place before the public.—ED. W. G."]

CARDIGAN. SCHOOL BOARDJELECTION.—The election of members for the Eglwyswrw School Board took place on Friday, with the following result:—Rev. T. M. Jones, Vicar (C), 102; Mr. Stephen T. Lewis, Carnhuan, farmer (C), 93; Mr. Dan Rees, Llain- fawr, farmer (L), 93; Mr. D. J. Edwards, farmer (C), 90; Mr. Morris James, Penpedwast, farmer (L), 68; not elected—Mr. John Evans, Cross House, grocer,58.

NEBO, LLANON. SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETINGS.—The anniversary meetings of the Congregationalists of Nebo and Llanon were held at Nebo Chapel last week. Meetings were held on Monday evening, and all day on Tuesday. The preachers were the Revs. O. R. Owen, Glandwr, and Mr. Howell, Llwyncelyn. The meetings were all well attended, and the singing was very good.

DOLGELLEY RAILWAY FACILITIES. INTERVIEW WITH MB. DENNISS. For some considerable time past the people of Dolgelley have not been satisfied with the railway facilities which are granted them by the Cambrian Railway Company, and the matter has of late been taken up with considerable vigour. A committee was appointed some time ago to confer with Mr. Denniss, the general manager of the Cambrian Company, but before it had met a wire was received from Mr. Denniss saying that he would be in Dolgelley on Friday in last week, and would meet a deputation, A meeting was accordingly hurriedly arranged for. It was held in the Shire Hall, Mr. J. Meyrick Jones, J.P.. chairman of the Urban District Council, presiding. Those also present were :—Messrs. E. W. Evans, Frondirion E. Wynne Williams, Ivy House; and Edward Williams, Clifton House, as members of Urban District Council-Mr. E. W. Evans acting as spokesman Dr. Edward Jones, J.P., Caerffynon Mr. R. Wynne Williams, J.P.; Rev. John Williams, B.A., Plasucha; Rev. R. G. Roberts, Baptist minister; Messrs. Richard Mills, Maldwyn House; Hugh Roberts, Union Workhouse; George Rowe, Royal Ship Hotel; E. Dunham, Golden Lion Royal Hotel; William Hughes, Mervinian House; and R. Guthrie Jones, solicitor. The Chairman briefly welcomed Mr. Denniss, and said that the object of the deputation was to try to keep up the position of the town, a position it had held for a long time, and to give visitors staying in the town, as well as residents, every facility that was granted to other towns on the line. He then called upon Mr. E..W. Evans. Mr. E. W. Evans said it had been the custom of the public in the past to look upon the railway company as a big Jew, which existed simply for the purpose of extracting dividends from the public, but however much was the reason for thinking that in the past, he was very glad that that time was over. The Cambrian railway had already done many things which were consiflerecl great ooons, but in looking through the excursion arrangements which had just been issued, it was thought that matters could still be improved. They found that Dolgelley had been treated as a seaside town, which no doubt had its advantages, but had serious disadvantages too for residents and visitors, for while cheap tickets were issued to Dolgelley from all stations from Whit- church to Brecon, there were no cheap bookings at all from Dolgelley to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli aud intermediate stations. Then again, there were no cheap bookings to Penarth, Tenby and Pembroke, and on the other side up to Rhyl, Llandudno, and other watering places on the L. & N.W. Dolgelley was omitted. The most important thing, in the opinion of the committee, was the omission of Dolgelley from the advantages of having week-end tickets to the seaside. They were granted at small stations, such as Carno, Llanbrynmair, and Cemmes Road,and he had no doubt that the number of passengers from Dolgelley would be equal to those from the small stations. Again there were cheap bookings from the Festiniog Railway to all the towns on the coast, but there were no bookings from Dolgelley to Festiniog. With regard to the train service, the commitiee suggested that during the summer months, at any rate, the train arriving from the Liverpool direction at 9 p.m. should be carried to Barmouth, and the train which arrives at Barmouth about 10 p.m. from the direction of Carnarvon should be carried on to Dolgelley, It was suggested that this could be carried out without incurring very serious expense, as the engine would probably be stabled at Penmaenpool in any case, and it would be a great convenience to the public. The points, therefore, to which they desired to draw Mr. Dennis' attention were the-(l) That Dolgelley be afforded all the advantages of other inland towns in regard to tourist tickets (2) That week end tickets be issued from Dolgelley to all stations on the coasts all the year round; (3) That a later train should be run from Dolgelley to Barmouth after the arrival of the Liverpool 9 p.m. train; (4) That the late train from Carnarvon be carried on to Dolgelley. They trusted that the points would receive the favourable consideration of the railway company, and that the changes suggested would be carried out. Mr. R. Mills said no doubt Mr. Denniss was aware that Dolgelley helped pretty well to swell the dividends of the Cambrian Company, and there- fore he was sure Mr. Denniss would give the matter his serious consideration. He suggested that it would be a great convenience if cheap tickets could be issued to Welshpool and Oswestry. Mr. Dennis: To inland towns as well as coast places. Mr. Mills: Yes. Mr. Denniss asked if there would be any traffic from Dolgelley to Oswestry and Welshpool, and what they would go for. Mr. Mills said there would be the markets. Parties went regularly to Oswestry. The Rev. John Williams referred to the difficulty there was in not being able to catch the local train between Machynlleth and Moat Lane. The first train in the morning from Dolgelley reached Machynlleth after that train had left, and they could not get another local train till twelve o'clock. He suggested that the express should put down passengers. He was alse in favour of the other facilities being granted. MR. DENNISS* REPLY. Mr. Denniss, after expressing the pleasure it afforded him to meet the deputation, said the com- pany fully appreciated that what affected the town in the way of railway matters affected the company also. If the town benefited by the arrangements made the railway' company benefited also, and therefore he was most wishful, as representing the Cambrian Company, to do anything he could to make the arrangements as complete and as ex- tensive as they possibly could (hear, hear). At any time, if he could with any advantage meet them and talk over matters of mutual interest he should be very pleased to do so (applause). The townspeople were anxious that Dolgelley should be developed to the railway company it was a matter of life and death, and they wanted to recognise that (hear, hear). He had tried as far as he could to make some improvements in their train service, and he hoped that they had been to some extent satisfactory (hear, hear). But he was not satisfied; he thought more could be done, and if they could at any time bring before him anything that they thought would be conducive to their mutual in- terests, he hoped they would not hesitate to do so (applause), With regard to cheap tickets, they had always placed Dolgelley on the basis of the coast watering-places. Now they wanted the advantages. of a coast watering-place and of an inland watering- place too (laughter and applause). He really did not know how their wishes could be accomplished. He would, however, communicate with the Great Western, with whom his compauy had to work in harmony in such matters,and see what could be done He would do so with the sincerest possible desire to give Dolgelley every advantage they could (applause). He had taken a note of each of the other points mentioned, and they would be care- fully looked into. He would discuss them with the traffic officers at headquarters, and would com- municate with the Great Western Railway, and an answer would be sent them. As to the late train from Barmouth, he thought there would be no difficulty in arranging that it should run to Dolgelley if the facts were as the deputation had stated, but it would be an experiment, and if after a good trial it was found not to pay it would be stopped. Railway companies were not philan- thropists, and could not run trains at a loss. The suggestion that the first train in the morning should connect with a local train between Machyn- lleth and Moat Lane was very difficult to carry out, as it would mean either running the local trains much earlier or stopping the expresses, both of which would not be beneficial. But, however, as he had said before, they would go carefully into the matters mentioned and do their best to provide what an impartial critic would regard as reasonable facilities (applause). Mr. Edward Jones proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Dennis for attending, and said they must not ask what was unreasonable, and he was not sure that the late trains would pay, although they would undoubtedly be a great convenience to some. In the old words, "God made the country, but man made the town." They could not boast much of the town, but the country round was unrivalled, and everything should be done to bring people there. Having regard to what Mr. Dennis had said he did not think Dolgelley would be forgotten. Mr. William Hughes seconded the vote of thanks, which was unanimously carried, the Chairman expressing a hope that something would be done at once. Mr. Dennis' response brought the meeting to a close.